Joanne Marie Bristol, 59, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2014 at her home in Logan Square. “She chose to go at sunrise with a songbird in her heart,” her friend Kathy Munzer said. The service will take place on Saturday Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. at Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, 405 S Euclid Avenue, Oak Park.
Bristol suffered from a rare, devastating neurological disease called progressive supra nuclear palsy.
Bristol was as an occupational therapist by trade, working mainly with babies and children at Easter Seals, Children’s Memorial Hospital and finally, Northwestern Hospital. She loved her partner Mary Morse deeply and they shared a love of dancing, hiking, birding, cross country skiing and the outdoors in general. “Joanne was a loving, kind and thoughtful friend. She inspired, by living every minute, tenaciously and with gusto,” said Munzer.
Born Jan. 16, 1955 to the late Ralph and Maryetta Bristol; beloved partner of the late Mary Elizabeth Morse; cherished sister of Harry (Mary) Bristol and Margery Williams; dear aunt to Emily, Tim and Jon; treasured friend to many; loving dog owner to Smokey.
Bristol received the Bruce Scott Award from Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church in Oak Park June 22. The award was given to Biristol and her partner, Morse, who died in 2006.
The award is named for the late Bruce Scott, one of the gay men who fought against the Cold War witch hunts of gays and lesbians in the federal government. His battle is documented in the book The Lavender Scare. Bristol accepted the award from Pastor Reverend Dr. Marti Scott and Outreach Pastor Rev. Stephanie Escher.
The May 14, 2014 Windy City Times ran a cover story interview with Bristol about her life, and the life she shared with Morse. See windycitytimes.com/lgbt/How-a-loving-lesbian-couple-made-Logan-Square-Honey/47411.html.
See: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/-Bristol-honored-by-Euclid-United-Methodist-Church/47942.html.