STRAUSS, Joan (Joni)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Joan (Joni) Strauss passed away at the age of 72 from rapidly progressing complications associated with end-stage renal and liver disease. She succumbed to her illness on June 7, 2012, at the YRMC West campus. Joni was born on Nov. 10, 1939, in Detroit, Mich., and came to Prescott, Ariz., from Southern California in 1994, after the Northridge earthquake. Joni's main passion in life was helping others. From friends and family to complete strangers alike, she was always there to meet and greet people with a warm smile and open arms, ears, and mind. She exercised her passion to help others through Alcoholics Anonymous. An active member of A.A. since 1987, she supported the recoveries of countless people. For several years, Joni managed the Prescott A.A. Intergroup office, which serves as a central command for newcomers to the program. In 2006, Joni and her husband founded Safe Harbor, a 12-step meeting space in Prescott. Over 800 attendees meet weekly at Safe Harbor, the popularity of which is due, in part, to Joni's continued involvement and oversight up to her death. Besides her devotion to A.A., Joni was an avid traveler and practitioner of arts and crafts. She lived in two continents (Africa and North America) and traveled to four others (Asia, Europe, Oceania and South America). In the later stages of her life, Joni developed a unique, bold and expressive style of painting. Her paintings have been on display in galleries and at Safe Harbor. Joni is survived by her husband, Mickey Strauss; four sons, Guy, Dean, Donald and Greg Lucas; two stepchildren, Brian Strauss and Jami Hanreddy; four grandchildren, Colton, Matthew, Brady and Francheska Lucas; and two stepgrandchildren, Spencer and Shane Strauss. Joni's life will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Safe Harbor, 520 W. Delano Ave. in Prescott. Information provided by survivors.