Joanne Sorensen

Joanne Sorensen, age 68, beloved sister, aunt, pet parent, cousin, friend, and co-worker, died peacefully on November 4, 2026 at her home in Murray, Utah.

Joanne (Jo) was born on September 18, 1958 in Lubbock, Texas to Kyle B. Sorensen and Leone N. Sorensen. At age 4 she moved to Cottonwood Heights, Utah. She graduated from Brighton High School in 1976. She briefly attended Snow College, where she realized that she loved participating in long distance running. Over the course of her life, Jo ran over 100 marathons and many more races (5k through half-marathons). Jo’s love of running took her to many states and other countries, including Boston, New York City, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Tokyo, and South Africa. Those were in addition to local races of Deseret News marathon and St. George marathon. She enjoyed all of those places and marathons, but her favorite place on earth, and marathon, by far was the Honolulu, Hawaii marathon. She participated in that numerous times. Jo’s biggest running fan and supporter was her mom. They traveled the state, country, and world together for the vast majority of Jo’s races.

In addition to running, Joanne loved many things, including her family, animals, BYU football, the color purple, Dr Pepper, and uplifting quotes. Jo always had a smile and positive comment for everyone she met. Jo was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will be missed greatly by those who knew and love her.

Joanne is survived by her siblings. Kyleen Sorensen, sister. Diane (Matt) Madsen, sister. Terri Bruschke, sister. Alan (Shelly) Sorensen, brother. Mike (Sheila) Sorensen, brother. Karen Sorensen, sister. She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 35 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great-great nieces and nephews. Jo is survived by her three pet children, Wacky (parrot), Ivy Lou (dog), and Emma (dog). They are loved and being well taken care of by family members.

Joanne was preceded in death by both her parents, Kyle and Leone, two nephews, Kris Osborne and Cody Osborne, one niece, Emilee Bruschke, and one great nephew, Colt Thornton. She was also preceded in death by many pet children including Rin, Fifi, Benson, Haley, Kuni, Snicker Bar, Pooh Bear, Mia, and Skylar.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held Sunday, December 13, 2026 at Cannon Mortuary from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cannon Mortuary is located at 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 South). Jo determined that she wanted to be cremated. As per her wishes her ashes will be scattered in her favorite place on earth, Hawaii.