GOUVERNEUR- Joanne E. LaRue, age 84, of Gouverneur, NY passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.

There will be calling hours for Joanne on Thursday, November 20 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. A mass will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. at St. James Church with Fr. Jay Seymour officiating. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Joanne was born on January 26, 1941 in Massena, NY to the late Howard and Catherine (Cardinel) LaRue. She graduated from the Massena Catholic School and then went on to LeMoyne College where she received her Business Degree. Joanne continued her education at SUNY Potsdam, receiving her Teaching Degree.

Joanne worked as an elementary teacher for Carthage Central School until her retirement in the early 1990's. In her free time, Joanne was often at the St. James Parish, volunteering for their Out Reach Center. She was a very kind and gentle soul, who loved helping out others and visiting with people of her community. She loved all animals, and she enjoyed reading, shopping and playing bingo. Joanne's greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren.

Surviving are her two daughters, Michele and Gerald Johnson and Karen Geer; a sister, Catherine Kramer; six grandchildren, Robert, Matthew and Christopher Johnson, Sarah (Shuofei) Sun, Dylan Geer and Emily Geer, a great granddaughter, Junpei Sun, and a brother, Edward LaRue. Joanne is predeceased by a brother, John LaRue.

Donations may be made in Joanne's memory to the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.