Joanne Louise “Little Joyce” Cooper of North Ferrisburgh, Vt., beloved mother, wife, grandma, sister and friend, passed away on May 26, 2026, shortly before her 74th birthday.
She was born on June 23, 1952, in Johnson City, N.Y., one of four children to Thomas and Janet Cooper. The family moved to Burlington, Vt., in 1966, and Joanne grew up there, attending Burlington High School and the University of Vermont, where she made lifelong friends, worked many odd jobs and met her future husband, Dana J. Lavigne, in 1972. Joanne found her passion in music. She had an undeniable talent and shined bright in the local show-biz scene. In 1974, Little Joyce, Dana and bandmates hit the road and gigged all over the Northeast.
Little Joyce was a powerhouse and had a soulful singing voice. She was an inspiration to others. She sang American folk, gospel, blues and jazz but could sing anything. She performed in many Burlington bands, such as Coyote, Secret Sam Band, the Movers, Rick Norcross Band, Wisper, Dreamland, Zoot Wilson’s Tremendous Johnson Big Band, Ellen Powell Trio, Unknown Blues Band, Little Joyce & the Sensations, the Relics, and others. She performed at the Flynn Theater (Discover Jazz), opening for the JB Horns with Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis; at Memorial Auditorium, opening for Ray Charles; collaborating on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ album We Shall Overcome; and countless other performances. Music lead her on many adventures to places like Ryman Auditorium, Florida State Fair, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She was deeply inspired by the music in San Francisco, New Orleans and Nashville, as well as by singers such as her Aunt Patty Fay “Bunky” Mims, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Tina Turner, Irma “the Soul Queen of New Orleans” Thomas and Sugar Pie DeSanto.
After years on the road, going where the music took them, Joanne and Dana settled back down in Chittenden County. In 1988, they got married and had twin girls, Anna Rae and Ava Kay. Three years later, the daughter trifecta was complete with Jolie Claire’s birth in 1991. Joanne kept music in her life and was a proudly devoted stay-at-home mom, giving the most loving care to her husband and girls. Joanne prepared countless meals, helped on every school project and always put her family first.
Joanne had a profound interest in genealogical research and spent many years tracing out the rich history of her own family, Dana’s family and many friends’ families. This was a gift that she gave us all that will live on forever.
Joanne was selfless and determined. She had wit and grit like no other. She loved spending time with her family, finding free-pile treasures, crafting with junk jewelry, enjoying milk chocolate treats and snuggling her pups. She was our queen of all things kitsch, bling and groovy. She was our bold soul sister.
Joanne is survived by her husband, Dana, and their three daughters, Anna Hall and her husband, Taylor Hall, and their children, Maia and Richard Hall; Ava Lavigne; and Jolie Lavigne and her husband, Zachary York. She is also survived by her three siblings and their immediate families; and two of her best pups, JoJo and Bandit. She joins her parents, many great friends and loving pets in the great beyond.
Joanne fought a long, hard battle against cancer. She showed tenacious courage and true strength until the very end. We would like to thank all of her friends and family for the unwavering love and support; and the amazing staff at UVM Medical Center, UVM Oncology, and Addison County Home Health & Hospice for their kindness and dedicated care. There has been a private remembrance gathering with family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: the University of Vermont Cancer Treatment Center, Addison County Home Health & Hospice, or Passion 4 Paws.