Joan Ahrens was born Joan Lee, daughter of Arnie and Violet Lee, in Kirkland, Washington. She grew up there and graduated from Lake Washington High School.  Joan met her husband-to-be, Everett when they were 17 years old.  They were married in 1952 and settled in Kirkland where they raised their three children.  After several years as a stay-at-home mom, Joan returned to the workforce, working 20+ years as the Supervisor in the Business Office at Overlake Hospital.  She loved her job and coworkers.  Joan and Everett enjoyed camping and traveling with their kids.  In 1987 they both took early retirement and traveled around the United States in their fifth-wheel trailer until making a home in Anacortes in 1996, along with their traveling cat, Patty.

Joan loved and was loved by nearly everyone she met.  She was the kind of person who gave little gifts to "her blood-draw girls", always had baked goods for the neighbors at Christmas, and was almost as much of a mom to her kids' friends as she was to her own kids. She loved reading and, before she became ill, was a regular at the Anacortes Library.  She also loved crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, rock 'n roll, TV mystery series, trying new recipes, watching the Seahawks, spending time with family, and breakfasts at the Island Cafe.  She was a fun and formidable Scrabble opponent and a talented and strategic Bridge player.  Joan was brave, smart, and funny.  She could make you laugh so hard you cried and it was equally fun making her laugh.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Everett, in 2009.  Joan is survived by her three children; Richard, Jayne and Janine, four grandchildren; Ruben, Larissa, Molly, and Rory and four great-grandchildren; Melissa Anne, Mikhal, Madisyn and Jameson.  Per Joan's wishes, there will be no services.  There will be a family gathering to scatter her ashes (mixed with those of Patty the cat and Joan's beloved dog, Tuffy) when the weather's nice and we can get together again.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's name to SPOT Animal Rescue in Burlington, WA ( http://www.savingpetsoneatatime.org ) or to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands.

To share memories of Joan, please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com