JoAnne M. Halferty

JoAnne Marie Halferty, age 71, of Lancaster, died on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Lancaster. She was born on April 7, 1938, in Hinckley, IL, the daughter of Frank T. and Edith (Blanchard) Bullock. She attended grade school in Red Oak, IA. In 1955, JoAnne graduated from Central High School in LaCrosse. She furthered her education at WI State University in Eau Claire, where she studied English and Library Science. In 1964, JoAnne graduated from the UW-Madison with a masters degree in Library Science. On September 19, 1964, JoAnne was united in marriage to James B. Halferty at the Methodist Church in LaCrosse. After their marriage, JoAnne was employed with the UW-Platteville. In 1977, she became the director of the Lancaster Public Library and for the next twenty-six years, she led the community in adding twice the space to the building and bringing the collection on-line. JoAnne retired in 2003. She was a member of PEO, Lancaster Congregational Church and multiple bridge clubs. In her retirement years, JoAnne enjoyed spending time with her family, playing bridge, reading cozy novels, and doting on her grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic birder, feeding and providing homes for many species of birds near her home in North Lancaster Township.

Survivors include her husband of forty-five years, James B. Halferty, Lancaster; Matthew (Laurie) Halferty, Pewaukee; Susan (Jay) Pence, Victor, ID; Laura (Jay) Krishnan, Minneapolis, MN; and three grandchildren: Thomas and Ryan Pence and Sameer Krishnan.

In addition to her parents, JoAnne was preceded in death by her brother, Frank.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 30, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster Congregational Church with Rev. Mark Dieter officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends called on Sunday, November 29, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the church and from 10:00 a.m. on Monday until time of services. A JoAnne M. Halferty memorial fund has been established. Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.