Joanne Taylor Marinac

Joanne Taylor Marinac age 87, passed away on May 11, 2025, in Open Arms Senior Living, Duluth, MN. She was born in Duluth on June 24, 1937, the only child to Charles and Laura Taylor. Joanne attended The Lab School and Duluth East before moving to Hibbing MN in 1951 when her father was transferred for work. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1955 and was a cheerleader for the Hibbing Blue Jackets.

Joanne attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and then returned to Hibbing to marry James Marinac in 1956. Together they started a family and relocated to Duluth, MN. Joanne transferred to and graduated from the University of MN Duluth in 1962 with a Degree Bachelor of Science magna cum laude. She was also a recipient of the Outstanding Future Teacher Award.

For many years, Joanne was an Elementary School Teacher with the Duluth Public Schools starting at Congdon Park Elementary and other Duluth schools. She also taught piano and served as Church School Director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Joanne was a member of several clubs and organizations over many years in Duluth. The American Association of University Women, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and the Duluth Alumnae Association. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Women of St. Paul’s and the Altar Guild. She was also a member of the Duluth Women’s Club, and The Duluth Garden Flower Society and co-founder for Hart Haven Garden Club.

Joanne enjoyed spending time at her family cabin on Pequaywan Lake, she loved her cats and gardening. Joanne had a strong faith and was deeply devoted with leadership activities at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, and her son David.

She is survived by her children Kathy Marinac, Tom (Sue) Marinac, Dan (Lea) Marinac; grandchildren Joe (Emily) Marinac, Jonathon and Lauren Marinac; and great grandson Beau Marinac.

We wish to thank Essentia Hospice and Open Arms Senior Living for the special and loving care they provided for Joanne.

A visitation will be held beginning at 10AM on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11AM. Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St., Duluth MN 55805, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.

Memorials are preferred to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Animal Allies or a charity of your choice.