Joann Gayle Pinnow Paterson

JoAnn Gayle Pinnow Paterson passed away on September 8, 2015. JoAnn was born May, 6 1974 in Billings MT. She graduated from Skyview High School in 1992 and went on to nursing school at Montana State University. Nursing was her passion and she loved it so much that she went on to a fulfilling career as a Professor at Montana State University - Billings.

JoAnn enriched the lives of everyone she came into contact with. She had an infectious laugh and sweet smile. With her adventurous spirit she loved to try new things. It was well known that JoAnn's happy place was fishing with her Dad or spending time with her daughter Gabby. She loved to be outside and loved spending time with her family. She especially would never turn down an invitation to see a movie.

As a nursing instructor for Montana State University, JoAnn had a tremendous impact on the students she taught. JoAnn taught them to be not only confident in their field, but she demonstrated the core values of compassion and empathy. She displayed these characteristics not only with patients, but also with her students. They grew to love and depend on her for guidance and support which she gave willingly. Students remember her as always having a smile on her face and a kind word to say. One student said, "I will always remember her warm and welcoming personality. In nursing school, I was intimidated by most professors, but it was different with JoAnn. She created such a positive and warm environment to learn in, and it showed in her warm smile." JoAnn maintained supportive relationships for so many students beyond graduation.

Not only was JoAnn a leader inside the classroom, she helped to cultivate nurse leaders through her efforts with Sigma Theta Tau, an organization which recognizes nurses and nursing students who contribute to nursing excellence, leadership, and service.

In the summer of 2014 and again in 2015, JoAnn was able to travel to California. She recently told her nursing students that she found a new love of travel and her goal was to travel once a year to the beaches of California.

JoAnn was a champion for all who met her. Her colleagues, friends, and students at Montana State University are devastated at the loss of such a kind, intelligent, and generous spirit. However, we should gather strength knowing that she lives on through the lives of nurses, patients, colleagues and friends that she touched.

JoAnn is survived by her beloved Daughter Gabriella Paterson. Her Parents, Larry and Nancy Pinnow. Her Brothers, Matthew (Jennifer) Thomas and Lance (Rebecca) Pinnow. Her Grandmother, Gwyn Bonogofsky and her Uncle, Randy Bonogofsky. Her loving Nieces, Jessie and Tiffany Thomas and Heather and Ally Pinnow. She is also survived by Gabriella's Father, Robert (Kristy) Paterson and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday September 12th at Michelotti-Sawyers 1001 Alderson Ave, Billings, MT. at 2:00PM. Reception and additional services will be held at 4:00 P.M. in Petro Hall located on the MSU-Billings campus for family, friends, faculty, and nursing students. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either LifeCenter Northwest of Bellevue, Washington, or to the MSU-B JoAnn Paterson Nursing Scholarship Fund.