Obituary: Joan Lamont

May 28, 1933 – November 10, 2024

Joan (“GG”) Kette Lamont passed away of natural causes on the afternoon of November 10, 2024, surrounded by her three children. She took her last breath minutes after her pastor finished prayers in her room with a view, at Sopris Lodge. She was 91.
Joan was born on May 28, 1933, in St Louis MO and raised in the South side of Chicago. Her parents were Charles Kette and Erica (Bush) Kette, an immigrant from England. Joan graduated from Gauge Park High School where she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Lamont Jr. She put herself through 2 years of community college. She won a writing scholarship, enabling her to finish her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Joan and Bill were married in 1955 and raised their three children in Boulder CO. Joan cherished her work as an English teacher.
Bill and Joan retired to Carbondale in 1999. After Bill’s death, Joan moved into Sopris Lodge. She sponsored several Lodge concert/parties complete with live music and dancing. Joan encouraged fun times!
Joan was a remarkably positive, open-minded and flexible person. As she struggled to walk with debilitating back pain, she was quick to smile and ask, “what’s the good word?” She brightened and enhanced social gatherings and was known for her many expressions “each day’s a gift,” “we are blessed,” and “tears of joy!” (she happily shed many).
The primary joys of her life were her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the company of many friends. Her other passions included theater, music, and sports. She was a lifelong booster of CU and RFHS teams.
Joan adored her caregivers and was incredibly grateful for her medical care team. Joan would have adopted this saying if she were still with us – “love doesn’t end when people are gone.”
Joan is survived by her daughters Leslie Lamont (Lance Luckett), Laurel Lamont (Eric Gross); and her son, William Lamont. She is also survived by her former daughter-in-law Jennifer Howe Lamont and seven grandchildren: Lamont Gross (Casey McGuire), and Foster Gross; Lyle and William Luckett; and Grace, Simone, and Leah Lamont; seven nieces and nephews and great grandson, Xander Gross. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Ellis.
A celebration of Joan’s life will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Homecare and Hospice of the Valley.