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Joan Laskowski

March 3, 1931 - March 23, 2020

Joan Claire Laskowski, nee Heyer, (March 3, 1931 – March 23, 2020) dedicated her life to protecting freedom of speech and civil liberties.  Born in West Lafayette Indiana, she spent most of her youth in Ohio. She developed a great love of music (flute and opera) and enjoyed summer visits to her cousins.  She graduated from Oberlin College with a major in philosophy in 1953 before moving to Greenwich Village, NY.  In 1957, she married Michael Laskowski and moved back to West Lafayette.

Her career as a civil libertarian began when she joined the local chapter board of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1967, serving as president from 1973-77.  She joined the statewide board of the ACLU (then ICLU) in 1971.  In 1977 she began heading the legislative committee to ensure that the state’s legislation upholds civil liberties as defined by the constitution.  She aided in drafting rules regulating police use of deadly force, campaigned against legislation threatening safe and legal abortion, and worked with lawmakers to protect our freedom of speech.  She wrote many policies for the ICLU board, where she remained through the end of her life, writing her final report just ten days before her passing.

When she was appointed to the National Board of the ACLU in 1993, she became the first female delegate from Indiana. She served on the National Board for 24 years.  She received the Robert Risk Award, and in 1998 the State Board created The Joan Laskowski Legislator of the Year Award, conferring the first award on her.

She is remembered for her love of family, the Tetons, and the ACLU. Her selfless work and loving spirit touched and improved the lives of many.  Joan is preceded in death by her husband Michael Laskowski and survived by her children, M. Chris Laskowski (Carol DeFrances) and Marta Laskowski (Ken Stanley), and grandchildren, Michael Laskowski, Matthew Laskowski, Zofia Stanley (Eli Halperin).  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: ACLU of Indiana Foundation, 1031 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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Joan Claire Laskowski, nee Heyer, (March 3, 1931 – March 23, 2020) dedicated her life to protecting freedom of speech and civil liberties.  Born in West Lafayette Indiana, she spent most of her youth in Ohio. She developed a great love of music (flute and opera) and enjoyed summer visits to her cousins.  She graduatedContinue Reading

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Melanie Lorenzo left a message on April 30, 2020:
My sincerest condolences to the Laskowski Family. I have been Mrs. Laskowski's Maid for the past year and to hear of her passing saddens me deeply. It was always a joy to come see and work for her. It never felt like being at work at all as soon as I entered her house where she always greated me with a bright smile. Telling her tales of my toddler and bringing her potato soup made her so happy and vice versa listening to her tales. Heaven gained a very precious and special angel! It breaks my heart not to be seeing her anymore but I am more than certain will meet again. Again, prayers to her family in this difficult time. Sincerely Melanie
John and Mary Kay Turner left a message on March 30, 2020:
Joan was a wonderful neighbor here in Wyoming. We will miss her warm smile, spunk and willingness to live every day to the fullest. She and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Don, Tom, and Laurie Saylak left a message on March 29, 2020:
Dear Laskowski family, What a remarkable legacy Joan left. We here in the Meadow knew her as a lover of the Tetons but never fully appreciated the incredible contributions of this dedicated lady to the cause of free speech and civil liberties. Thank you Joan for all those tireless decades that we all are benefitting from. If you all haven't already, please submit any stories you recall to Bob Righter and Sherry Smith for our Meadow history. Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Sincerely, Don, Tom, and Laurie Saylak
Meredith Richmond left a message on March 28, 2020:
I met Joan in GLACLU and loved and admired her. She was a font of knowledge. We will miss her tremendously.
Joan and Philip Low left a message on March 28, 2020:
Joan has left her children and grandchildren a legacy of service, caring, and concern for all. May they be grateful for and proud of that! She has left our community better and more aware through her work. Thank you, Joan!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Scott Miethke left a message on March 28, 2020:
Godspeed Joan. I really enjoyed knowing you over the last few decades and you taught me a lot. My prayers are with your family.
Katie Blair left a message on March 27, 2020:
Joan was an amazing mentor and friend. She taught me so much in the 7 years we worked together. I will miss her greatly.
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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