Joan Laurence

Joan (JL) Laurence, 75, of Denver, Colorado, entered eternal life in the afternoon of January 31, 2016. She was born on July 16, 1940 to parents, Ronald and Minnie (Bowes) Watson in Liverpool England. At a young age, she became interested in the arts and found herself working as a window dresser at 14 years of age. Soon after, at the age of 15, she left home and began a life of intentional living the way Joan only could. She attended Liverpool College of Art and was fortunate to study side by side with John Lennon of the Beatles. Continuing her journey, she married Ken Laurence at the age of 17 and soon after migrated to Montreal, Quebec Canada. While in Canada she and Ken first found themselves raising chickens to earn a living, yet eventually Joan would end up following her love of the arts and start her career as a make-up artist. Eventually they would start a family and along came their three daughters, Gail, Kimberley and Tamya. In the late 70's, JL and her family headed to Denver, Colorado. Once they settled into American life, Joan (JL) continued her artistry in the make-up industry, becoming a pioneer to those that followed her; training other make-up artists along the way. JL opened her own studio, The Make-up Studio in 1982 She provided make-up and facial services and here is also where she found herself helping disfigured women apply make-up so they could feel empowered and confident. JL was best known for her talents in make-up and hair in the film and television industry, but always known for her fun loving, spicy personality. Getting to know and working with the likes of celebrities, politicians, news anchors and comedians. JL left each person she came in contact with better than when she found them, leaving them with stories of her family, travels and work adventures. Joan always loved a challenge and she got that in the real estate industry, trying her hand at investing and again lending her helping hand to homeowners who were on the verge of losing their homes. She was a savvy business woman and was a member of NAFE, the National Association of Female Executives. JL loved travel and was drawn to beaches, historic sites and popular locations across the globe. JL really loved concerts in the park with her friends and family, she also loved hanging out with her friends at the local bar. Most of all, Joan was a dedicated mother and daughter. If you asked anyone that knew her, her children and grandchildren were her life. What she wouldn't do to love and support them. Joan is preceded by her mother Minnie and father Ronald and her former husband, Ken. Joan is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and her sister Lyn of Australia and brother Steve of Spain.