Joan S. Kelly

May 1937 - November 2024

Joan died Nov 29 in Vancouver, WA after courageously coping with a difficult illness. She was born in South New Jersey and lived there till moving to Southern California in her early 20s where she lived for several years. Work later brought her to Tucson, AZ and she then settled in Vancouver, WA to be near family. 

She embraced each of the places she lived and enjoyed learning and experiencing what each place had to offer from hiking to museums to local restaurants. Along the way, she made new friends while maintaining connections and lifelong friendships.

She pursued education throughout her life and ultimately graduated with honors from the University of Arizona. She obtained degrees in Communication and Psychology. Her passion and persistence inspired her family.

Joan worked in human resources at Hughes Aircraft and later Raytheon. She was especially proud of leading the relocation of multiple sites in CA and TX to Tucson, AZ. She was fortunate to have strong women mentors while working there while making some lifelong friendships.

In her retirement she enjoyed reading, playing bridge and other card games, as well as walking and hiking. She especially liked being outside, working in her yard and maintaining a vegetable garden. 

She seemed most happy when she was able to spend time with her family including many memorable trips to San Juan Island. She made sure never to miss her family’s sporting events (whether her son was playing or not!) and also was a loyal Phillies, Eagles and Seahawks fan.

Her family is indebted to many of the caregivers she had including primary care, specialists, and hands-on caregivers. Their care is invaluable, needed and often undervalued. Joan was able to connect with many of these caregivers who would also open up to her about their lives and families. We are fortunate that she was able to have this care.

Her life was challenging toward the end, but she focused on what she could do and wanted to do. She made sure to participate in every activity she could (and maybe a couple she couldn’t). She was always willing to do PT or OT or whatever might help her gain more strength and mobility. Her faith was unwavering and also provided her a sense of hope and strength as well as informing her views for kindness, compassion and charity.

Joan was always so proud of her family and would be quick to give compliments and offer encouragement. She was a source of strength, compassion, kindness and a model for them as well. We will miss her dearly.

She is predeceased by her father Norman, mother Agnes, and sister Mary. Her survivors include her son Patrick, daughter-in-law Susan, nieces and nephews Richard Perry, Michael Perry, Timothy Perry, Patti Perry, Susan Weng and her grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Oswego, OR