Joan LaRochelle Hall, 69, of Iron River, and Barrington, Ill., died peacefully March 27, 2013, at her home in Iron River after a courageous 6 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Stambaugh, on February 14, 1944, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Kathryn (Malone) LaRochelle. She graduated from Stambaugh High School, Class of 1962. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Chicago where she worked as a medical secretary for several doctors. She met Ken Hall and they were married in Oak Park, Ill., on December 4, 1971. Later in life, she attended the School of Ryan Airlines and became a flight attendant. Joan lived life with a zest to experience everything the world could offer. Her enthusiasm was contagious to all who met her and her presence would light up a room. She had many hobbies such as golfing, reading, traveling, working puzzles, gardening, skiing and biking, along with her profound interest in all things Western. When asked to do anything, Joan's reply would always be, "You betcha!" When her mother passed away 10 years ago, Joan started her quest to remodel and update the LaRochelle family home. It is there that she spent her retirement and relaxation time. One of her favorite things to do was to sit on the front porch with a book to read and to watch the sunset. Within the last year, she became an author when she published her book, "THE BRIGHT SIDE" in which a grandmother explains cancer and its effects to her grandchildren. Her greatest joy and light of her life was her children, Tara and Jeff. She also will be remembered as the favorite and fun loving aunt. Few people lived life like Joan, and we all have our own special memories of her. She will be sadly missed by her husband, Ken Hall, Barrington; daughter, Tara Gagliano, Barrington; son, Jeff Hall, Barrington; three sisters, Faye Plessinger, Jeanne Bonetti, both of Iron River, Kathy McKenney of Omaha, Nebr., and brother Larry "JoBo" (Carol) LaRochelle, Iron River. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, cousins and many special friends that helped tremendously during her illness. Per her request, no services will be held at this time. A Celebration of her life will be held in her yard this summer. Memorials in Joan's memory can be sent to Locker Lunches, (a program to feed needy children) c/o Sue Fritz, 751 N. 4th Avenue, Iron River, MI 49935, or to Friends of Camp Batawagama, P.O. Box 482, Iron River, MI 49935. You may light a candle in remembrance of Joan or leave a condolence to her family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com The family has chosen the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, to honor Joan's Legacy of Life.