Joan Wahto

Longtime Anchorage resident and pioneer Alaskan Joan Louise (Nelson)

Wahto, 83, died peacefully in Silverton, Ore., on April 23, 2011, of

complications from cancer and a recent injury.

Joan was born on Sept. 12, 1927, in Anchorage, to Vic and Hulda

Nelson. She and her brothers, John and James, went to school on

Government Hill and Anchorage High School, where Joan enjoyed friends and

played piano and basketball.

Joan married Gordon W. Wahto in 1948 and they lived in Douglas for three years. They moved to Anchorage with their two young children and

lived at Seventh Ave. and E Street. Her youngest daughter Susan was born in 1958.

Joan involved herself in caring for her three children and taking part

in all of their school activities. She cared for Gordon for over 30 years

until he died in 2007. When asked, "What were the best years of your life

with Dad," she responded "all of them."

Joan never asked much for herself, but she demanded that her children get the best medical/dental

care and a college degree. She loved her family deeply, was steadfast to

friends, and was proud to be an Alaskan pioneer.

Lifelong interests included fishing, berry picking, bowling,

gardening (especially roses), socializing, cooking, reading, big band

swing music, the Seattle Mariners and grandkids. Joan was a member of

the "The Sewing Club," a group of lifelong Anchorage friends who got

together as often as possible to share stories, support and food --

however there is no oral or written record of sewing ever taking place

during these meetings.

Joan returned to work as a legal secretary first for John Hendrickson,

Attorney at Law, and then for Superior Court Justice Mark Rowland, and she

retired from the state of Alaska from that position. She was a dedicated

worker and had high esteem for both Jack and Mark. Her work colleagues

were as close as family.

Joan lived in Anchorage for 81 years, then moved in 2009 to Mt. Angel,

Ore., to be near her daughter Susan and family. She is survived by her

brother John V. Nelson, her son David (Robin) Wahto, and her daughters

Cody Jo Wahto Sontag and Susan (Larry) Rivers. Joan was the biggest fan

of her grandchildren Rachel and Jason Wahto, Maggie Rivers and Tyra

Rivers Ortiz.

Joan was preceded in death by her brother James Nelson, and husband

Gordon W. Wahto.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Alaska

Regional, St Elias Rehabilitation Hospital, and Silverton hospitals for

the exceptional care they gave Joan throughout her illness.

Donations in her memory can be made to At Risk Kids (ARK), c/o Immanuel

Lutheran Church, 303 N Church St, Silverton, OR 97381.

A public celebration of Joan's life will be held at a later date in

Anchorage.