Joan Simpson, 85, of Silverdale, Washington passed away September 29, 2019, with her family by her side.
She was born to Joseph and Helen in 1934 in Seattle, Washington. Joan grew up in Seattle and graduated from Garfield High School. She Married Deane H. Simpson in 1955 in Seattle. Before starting a family, Joan worked as a secretary for the Washington Attorney General’s office located in Seattle’s Smith Tower. They had three children, Diane Johnson Kithcart of Port Gamble, Debra Saint (Gary) of Eatonville and Mark Simpson of Newport. Joan always considered being a mother and raising her children as her greatest achievement.
Besides her children, Joan is survived by her brother Larry Sheriff of Seattle and grandchildren, Justin Johnson (Melissa) of Bend, Oregon, Nicholas Johnson (Dianne) of Bremerton, Amanda Johnson (Charlie) of Kingston, Joseph Kithcart of Nordland, Erin Saint of Fife and Lauren Saint Cavanaugh (Nathan) of Seattle. Great grandchildren include Maddie and Piper Johnson, Camille and Brielle Tappin and Roan, Oliver and Isla Cavanaugh. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Before her husband’s death in 2007, Joan enjoyed 52 years of marriage. They raised their family in North Seattle. She worked as a clerk for North City Shoes and Service. Joan then pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse when she completed studies to be a licensed practical nurse at North Seattle Community College. In 1980 they moved to Shelton. She practiced as an LPN at Mason County General Hospital. Retirement brought a move to Port Ludlow where Joan was a volunteer at a community foot clinic and as a docent for the Port Townsend Historical Society. She was also a member of Port Ludlow Community Church. In 2010, Joan moved to Crista Shores Retirement Community in Silverdale.
Joan loved history, especially that of the Pacific Northwest. She was an avid reader all of her life. A true native, she had an affinity for the water and enjoyed swimming in Puget Sound. She was a cat lover and always had a feline friend at her side, including her beloved Gracie.
Joan is described by her friends, family and excellent caregivers at Crista Shores as “sweet,” “nice,” “caring,” and even “my second mother”. She will be missed by all.
A memorial will be held in November in Eatonville. Contact family for details.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Crista Shores Caregiver Holiday Fund. Write checks to: Crista Shores Resident Council. Include: for Joan Simpson Memorial on the check. Mail to 1600 NW Crista Shores Ln, Silverdale, WA 98383. This is not tax deductible.
