Jolynn Jean Lauer 1946-2025

Jolynn Jean (Bidwell) Lauer was born in Iowa City, Iowa to Jean and Bill Bidwell, now deceased. She grew up in Burlington, IA, graduated from Burlington High School in 1964 and Burlington Junior College in 1967. She joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in 1967 and served for a year in Chicago, IL and Tulsa, OK. In 1967 she married Fred M. Lauer, Jr. They lived in Columbus, OH, then moved to Berkeley, CA in the late ‘60ies.

After their divorce, jo remained in Berkeley and began unfolding her career path in psychology. She moved to Napa and became a licensed Psychiatric Technician.  In 1976 she married Lincoln Beals. Their daughter Sara was born, and Jo opened The Scent Shoppe in Napa. Following her divorce from Lincoln, Jo returned to school and got her BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling at Sonoma State University. 

She moved to Santa Rosa with their daughter and did her internship at Chrysalis Counseling Services where she then became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In 1990, Jo began her private practice. She retired in 2021.

She was active in the Lesbian Voter’s Caucus, was a founding member of Lavender Roses Readers Theater, a member of LezResist, and Senior Lesbians in Community. She was a member of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, and a member of the One Heart Choir there for 20 years. She was also a member of the Redwood Empire Chapter of the California Writers Association, and the Redwood Empire California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

She considered herself a therapeutic phenomenologist, welcoming anyone who walked into her therapy office, and a gustatory enthusiast – her favorite pastime was having a great meal with good friends.

She was also the author of seven novels and a collection of short stories. One of her stories, “Roots in My Garden” was adapted to film in 2021 and screened at both the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in 2024. She was a member of BAI-Take 2, a Facebook group of independent film makers and screenwriters.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Bidwell (CO).

She is survived by her loving family, daughter Sara Frampton, her “grandtwins” Lincoln and Everett Frampton, her sister Sue Spight (CT), many nieces, and a nephew.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Here at the Center our hearts are tender as we surround Jo Lauer and her beloved family in love and blessing.

For 33 years, Jo graced our Center with her radiant spirit. Her voice rang out through our choirs, lifting spirits and opening hearts. Her Lavender Rose performances brought laughter, insight, and warmth.
Through her writing and film work,she pointed us toward deeper truth and our shared humanity.

Now we release her with love,honoring the beauty she brought to this world.

Fly free, dear Jo—carried by the prayers of your Center family, and held always in the heart of Spirit. 

Please join the family and friends of Jo Lauer as we come together to celebrate her bright and beautiful spirit. The service will be held in our sanctuary. 

Celebration of Life-Jo Lauer

Saturday, September 6, at 11 AM

Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

 All are welcome.