Joanne Elizabeth Harries
November 4, 1935 - December 2, 2024
Obituary
November 4, 1935 – December 2, 2024
Joanne Elizabeth Harries (née Jackson), aged 90, passed away on December 2, 2024, in Auburn, WA. Born on November 4, 1934, in Frederick, Colorado, Joanne was a spirited and loving individual cherished by all who knew her.
Joanne dedicated her career to nursing, having graduated from the Denver School of Nursing. She worked in various settings, including doctor’s offices and schools, ultimately retiring as the director of nursing services at Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Home in Tacoma. Her commitment to care extended into her volunteer work at the police department in Ocean Shores, WA, her church and the Children’s Therapy Center in Kent, WA.
Her personality was marked by humor and warmth, with a profound love for family and heritage. Joanne was an avid traveler, with memorable trips to England, Scotland, and several cruises including Alaska, Hawaii, and through the Panama Canal. She wanted to visit all 50 states in the US and completed that by car, plane and boat. She loved a road trip! Her love for her Scottish roots was highlighted in her ever cherished visit to Scotland.
Joanne enjoyed reading, singing in church choir, puzzles, bingo, and had a particular fondness for collecting Irish China and items related to owls. Her life was enriched by her relationships with her family and her cats Misty, Snickerdoodle and Tinkerbelle. She was determined to keep up with technology and was affectionately dubbed “Techno-Grandma” by her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Jodi Van Vleet, Jennifer Carlson (Brock), and Christopher Ibsen (Tracy); grandchildren Joshua Van Vleet (Amanda), Jessica Christmas (Noel), Jordan Van Vleet (Katie), Johannah Lindsay, Kate Robbins, Brieann Carlson, Sierra Carlson; and great-grandchildren Collins and Sorelle Christmas. She is also survived by her brother Fred Jackson (Linda) as well as her nieces, Stacey Jackson Alexander (Jeff) and Deena Arce (Richard). Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Harries and her first husband Charles Ibsen.
A celebration of life will be held on January 25th at 12 noon in the chapel at Bonney Watson near SeaTac airport, Washington. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, Joanne’s favorite color, in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Therapy Center in Kent, WA or Swan Vocational Enterprises. The family wishes to thank Bonney Watson for their compassionate assistance during this difficult time.
