Joanne Rose Hoskin
September 29, 1915 - August 18, 2008
Obituary
Joanne Rose Hoskin, Christened Melba Rose Barth.
Born September 29, 1915 at Swedish Hospital, Seattle; died August 18, 2008 at her home in Sequim, WA. She graduated from Queen Anne High School, Seattle, class of 1933. She married merchant marine officer Frank George Hoskin, September 21, 1940 and brought him ashore permanently. They enjoyed a happy adventuresome marriage until his death in 1990. They enjoyed all things active and outdoors: swimming, sailing, scuba diving into their late 60’s, canoeing, and archery. She was an avid gardener, excellent cook, and handy at sewing, knitting and crochet. She and Frank enjoyed some 7 years post retirement teaching a summertime marine biology course aboard the Adventuress. Her family and friends will greatly miss her always cheerful presence. ‘I guess I was just born happy’, she once remarked. Those who knew her best also knew her personal courage and strength, her ‘never complain’ attitude and her adherence to her guiding principle, The Golden Rule. She was a loving mother who taught by deed and example. At her core, she was a romantic, not loudly declared, not corny, just there – the arch typical incurable romantic. Her favorite poem was the Highwayman: perhaps that says it all. She loved her family. She loved her life. She is survived by her son, George Somsong Hoskin; daughter, Gail Scott McLain; grandchildren, Eric Duncan Finlayson, Mark and Sumalee Hoskin; great-grandchildren, Allison, Christopher and Haley Hoskin; brother, Perry L. Barth and five nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, 08/24 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA. 206 242-1787. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center or the Assured Hospice of Clallam and Jefferson Counties.
My mother and Frank were cousins, who as teeagers got into a lot of mischief. When Frank died Joanne continued to correspond. From these letters it was obvious that she loved her family, loved nature and loved life. It is such a shame we never met.
My thoughts are with you all.
Your cousin Sheila
We are so sorry to hear that your mother passed away.
Mon & Thom & Saisamorn
Bangkok Thailand
I can testify that she was very good at cooking and also entertaining people. I miss her smile, too.
I will remember her sweet and cheerful smile forever.
Memory about her still be fresh in my mind forever.
George and Gail
Was so sad to hear of the passing of Joanne. Our thoughts are with you and your families at this time. Treasure the happy memories.
With Love
Fiona, Rob, Rebecca and James
distant relatives of Frank’s from England
Will Greatly miss one of my favorite friends. Our heart goes out to the family. George and Dee
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. August 18th was George’s birthday and we spent it in a cabin on the McKenzie River–were away a few days and just checked the AOL e-mail We’ve changed. Our thoughts are with you George, Somsong and Gail. I know your mom was quite a woman and led an interesting, active life. You have lots of memories to cherish, I’m sure.
I have known Mrs Hoskin through her son and my friend, George, for exactly 45 years. What a legacy! I think I know how much this lady will be missed but through her family she lives on.
Joanne’s good cheer will indeed be missed.
George and Somsong, I know you will miss your mom but you were certainly blessed to have her with you so long. I remember both she and your dad in Hawaii sleeping out with all us graduate students at a caveLava tube on the Big Island. They were good sports and I think they enjoyed our adventure. Both Eileen and I share in your memories and know that they will sustain you at this sad time.
What a great lady and it was a pleasure to take care of her. God Bless, Gerry
Dear Mrs. Hoskin,
Thank you for a wonderful memory with Mr. Hoskin.
I love you so much!
Dear Gail and George,
I feel like the last “Mother’s Whistle” has blown out. South 160th Street was our family and all the mothers took care of us.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Gloria Hillman
So sorry: I have very fond childhood memories of your family home in Seattle. Aloha to all who are saddened.
The obituary says it all! She was a lovely person, a dear friend, a confidant,and the life of the party.
Her closest friends called her “Bubbles” and she would have done credit to the Lawrence Welk orchestra.
Goodnight Sweetheart, until we meet again.
Virg n Laura
Sorry Joann we weren’t able to see you off on your last journey. You will be greatly missed by so many. You never forgot your friends and always remembered them with cheerful cards. We will miss you, Frank will welcome you. Check out the skindiving oportunities there for when your other diving buddies will join you. Love and Angel Blessing’s. Herb & Ann Leake
Gail & George, Our Love & Sympathy is with you and your families at this time. Your Mother was such a wonderful person who lighted up everyone’s life she knew or met. Due to a long standing commitment, we will not be able to be with you to say “Goodbye & until we meet again” but we will have her in our thoughts & prayers at that time. Virg and Laura said it all. She was the best! Our love goes out to you and your families at this time. Angel Blessing’s, Herb & Ann
Goodbye, “Bubbles”, thanks for many happy memories.
We’re very sorry to hear about Mrs. Hoskin’s death. It’s been sad and hard to imagine her poor health these last couple of years as we always remember her as kind, lively and fun. Our thoughts our with your entire family.
Joanne,
You were an inspiration to everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing you. Kathy & I have many fond memories we cherrish and we will miss you. May God bless you as I am sure he will.
Love,
Bob & Kathy Miller
George and Gail, Im so sorry to hear about your mom.. She was a really nice lady and that I loved going and hearing about her life and hearing how she loved the water. Just wanted to stop by here and say im sorry for your loss
I am so greatfull to have come to know Mrs JoAnne Hoskin. I am so saddened at her passing. She leaves behind an incredible legacy in her children and grandchildren. I know from the short time I have spent with her she was very proud of that. She was a wonderful lady and I will miss her. Please accept my sincere condolances
To Mrs. Hoskin’s Family, my deepest sympathy. Mrs. Hoskin will be greatly missed. Her wit, charm, and zest for life is how I will remember her. I have always enjoyed her company and feel blessed that I have had the pleasure of meeting such a wonderful lady.
Sincerely Yours, Alice Heller Wright
George and Gail,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your mother, Joanne. We have fond memories of your folks.
Howard and Lois Markham
I am very sorry for your loss. Great Grandma was a person who you simply enjoyed being around as she always made you feel good. Her granddaughter, Ally, is saddened by her loss, but enjoyed the wonderful times they shared together. Our thoughts are with you all.
While we met Joanne but once we are left with a memory of a very pleasant, fun loving, kind and gentle woman who loved her family. She is certain to be missed.