Mary Joan Virtue Sorensen

Mary Joan Virtue Sorensen passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 in Ukiah, CA. She was born on July 10, 1936 in Darlington, Wi to Elmer and Mary(O'Rourke) Virtue. She graduated from Darlington High School and the University of Wisconsin- Platteville with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught elementary school for 37 years wherein she shared her gift of making the first years of school for children a fun and enriching experience. During her teaching career she traveled to South America where she met her fun-loving husband, Roy Sorensen. Joan's family and friends were a paramount priority in her life. She loved visiting the Midwest and Ireland where she caught up on all the family happenings and socializing with childhood friends while reminiscing with stories from the past. She was referred to as "queen of the hill" where she grew up on Wisconsin Street and was blessed with neighbors who were like family. She always had interest in hearing about nieces and nephews and their activities. Family and friends loved to visit Joan and Roy as they were gracious hosts - you would always be served delicious food, great wine and most remembered, never-ending laughter. She loved having fun with those around her. In addition to family visits she had a passion for touring the world and was often accompanied with her traveling companion, Sheila. Joan and Roy cherished time at their condo in Maui and exploring the beauty of the island. Joan was passionate about her photography, attending opera, and watching her garden flourish while snacking on potato chips and chocolate. Joan spent many hours with Uncle Art and cousin Dan O'Rourke along with Irish relatives piecing together the family ancestry and was a valuable source of information on family history which the family treasured. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Virtue, husband, Roy, brother, Robert and niece, Melissa. She will be remembered by her beloved family, daughter, Elizabeth, granddaughter, Emily, siblings, Rita Sauer, Richard Virtue, Kay(Tom) Wiegel, John (Christine) Virtue, Janice (Richard) Sydow, Peggy (Kevin) Murray, nieces and nephews, Irish relatives and many cousins and friends who brightened her life. Joan was extremely grateful, along with her siblings, to Buck and Chris for their unwavering kindness and tender loving care. We will celebrate Joan at a later date in Darlington. "If a hummingbird is flying by, it might be Joan saying Hi"