Eleanor "Jaunie" Mildred Popich
July 5, 1923 - April 24, 2022
Obituary
Born on July 5, 1923, she lived most her life in West Seattle except for two years in San Diego during WW2. She attended Jefferson Grade School, Madison Jr High School and West Seattle High School. She spent one year at Washington State College, but left to return home at the start of WW2.
Jaunie married her childhood sweetheart, Walter D. Popich, on July 24, 1943, and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage until his passing on February 1, 1995.
She was active from childhood at Tibbetts United Methodist Church singing for many years in the choir. She joined Sweet Adelines International in 1955 and remained active for 60 years helping with local and regional administration. She finished her singing career at Lakeside Chorus alongside her granddaughter Cynthia Maki.
Jaunie was an avid golfer joining the West Seattle Women’s Golf Club in 1949 and captained their women’s team in 1960 and 1965. She also served for 15 years on the Greater Seattle Women’s Public Golf Association. She enjoyed golf, attending UW Football, Sonics and Mariner games as well as her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s many sporting activities. She spent her final years at Judson Park in Des Moines (2016-2022).
She is survived by two sons, Dr. Gregory (Robin) Popich, Gig Harbor, and Christopher (Christine) Popich, Kent, WA; grandchildren Mark Popich, Andria (John) Stephens, Julia (Roque) Bamba, Cynthia (Aaron) Maki, and Kevin (Kate) Popich; great-grandchildren Soren and Sloane Popich, Matthew (Aubrey), Aly, and Luke Stephens, Griffin and Sam Bamba, and Ella and Kate Maki; great-great-granddaughters Hailey and Tessa Stephens.
Private services will be held. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name at www.alz.org.
Dear Popich Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother/Grand Mother/ Great Grand Mother, and my Aunt Eleanor. I have so many beautiful memories of her in my early childhood and young adulthood. Memories of your Mother and Father both. Memories are such a precious gift. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully and lovingly,
Judy Popich Forbes