Dr. Joan Azure, age 64, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at her home.

Dr. Joan Marie Azure was born on June 17, 1961 in Belcourt, ND to Robert and Mary Louise (Azure) Houle.  She was raised in Belcourt and completed her education there as well.  Joan furthered her education at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN obtaining her Doctorate Degree. Joan worked various jobs including Turtle Mountain College as an instructor for 25 years, Director of the recovery center in Belcourt, and at Indian Health Services as a medical coder and compliance officer.  Joan was the proud mother of eight children, Rodney, Anthony, Richanda, Daniel, Regina, Nathan, Reeanne, and Jordan.  She loved her family dearly and the time that she spent with them.  Joan enjoyed visiting with friends, going to the casino, and shopping.  She also liked traveling, taking a vacation every year with her family.  Joan will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family and throughout her community.

Joan is survived by her children, Anthony (Cyndee) Azure, Richanda (Cyle) DeCoteau, Daniel DeCoteau, Regina (Lionel) Swain, Nathan Allery, Reeanne (Ridge) Parisien, all of Belcourt, and Jordan Houle of Rolla; 14 grandchildren, Jessica (Valencia) Fuhrman, Jacob Charette, Shayla Azure, Deniah (Austin) Nadeau, Aubrey (Shane) DeCoteau, Cylee DeCoteau, Madison Swain, Karter Poitra, McKenna Poitra, Parker Parisien, Ahryah Parisien, Millie Parisien, Eric Jr. "Tiny" (Viv) Houle, and Wyatt Houle; great grandchild, Winston Nadeau; lifelong friend, Keith Brien of Belcourt; and nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, son, Rodney DeCoteau, sisters, Geraldine "Jeri" Allery and Stephanie Houle, brother, Steve Houle Sr., and grandson, Greyson Parisien.

Casket Bearers are George Hall, Trenton St. Claire, Carl Baker Jr., Steve Azure Jr., Brandon Nadeau, and Connor Keplin.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND.  Father Samuel Medley, SOLT presiding. Burial will take place in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND at a later date.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.