LeNore Joy Wilson

POYNETTE -- LeNore Joy Wilson, age 66, of Poynette, passed away on November 1st in the comfort of her home.

LeNore was born on October 17th, 1948 in Medford, Wisconsin, the daughter of Charles Gordon Hamrick and Ingrid Viola Keskimaki.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with her bachelor degree in psychology and social work, she quickly started working for Wisconsin's labor unions, eventually becoming the first female union representative in this state.  She ended her union work with over five years at SEUI-District 1199, eventually being promoted to its Executive Director.  Her continued desire to fight for the underdog lead her to become an advocate at the Hope House of South Central Wisconsin.  After 10 years of service to Hope House, working as a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate, Shelter and Outreach Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Shelter and Office Supervisor and, most recently, the Rural Outreach Coordinator, LeNore had retired this past August.

LeNore had many interests and hobbies including traveling, reading, rendezvous, camping and learning about the Native American culture.  Always an animal lover, during her free time LeNore enjoyed raising and training pets with her children; including horses, cows, dogs, and cats.

She is survived by her children:  daughters Sara Lee Wilson and Autumn Joy Ethington, son Grant H. Wilson, daughter-in-law Nicole Rose Wilson, son-in-law Steven William Ethington  and one grandchild, Jackson Richard Wilson;  she was married to Michael James Wilson for a number of years.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Donna and Patsy and her brothers Donald and Ronald.

LeNore touched many lives and will be greatly missed.  One of her favorite quotes was:  “Life isn't about waiting out the storm.  It's learning to dance in the rain”  ~Anonymous.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 8th  at 12pm at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette with Pastor Ryan officiating.  A visitation will begin the same day at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Hope House of South Central Wisconsin; 720 Ash St., Baraboo, WI 53913.