Joan Ellona Jacobsen Mann

1931 - 2018

Joan Ellona Jacobsen Mann

August 21, 1931-December 5, 2018

A third generation Seattleite, Joan was the oldest of four children born to Henry Hughes and Jeanetta Maurine (Baker) Jacobsen. A true Northwesterner who loved the outdoors, Joan celebrated her 50th birthday by climbing Mt. Rainier and spent many happy years on and around the water.

Her passion for both journalism and the arts played out in Joan's education and career. She earned three degrees from the University of Washington: BA in Journalism (1953), BFA in Sculpture (1970), MFA in Sculpture (1985). Joan was a sports fan and proud Husky. She spent almost two decades working as a writer/editor for the King County Arts Commission. A multi-faceted artist, Joan was talented in bronze-casting sculpture, charcoal sketching, and watercolor painting.

Joan and her former husband Hugh Mann raised five children, imbuing them with loyalty, curiosity, love of nature, and a strong work ethic. While Joan had an inquisitive mind, tremendous creativity, and wide-ranging interests, what brought her the greatest joy was her family. She was an unfailing cheerleader for them all.

Joan and her partner Elke Boettcher lived in their Roanoke house for over thirty years. It mirrors their love of art and books, with rows of photo albums, yearbooks, and treasures collected during journeys near and far. The home is filled with the joyful spirit from many gatherings.

Smart, sentimental, generous. There is much more that could be said about Joan, but nothing more important than that she was incredibly well loved by many and completely deserved it. Joan, Mommy, Oma: every time we go to the beach, we know you will be there beside us.

In addition to her partner Elke, Joan is survived by her children Susan Mann (Charles Bergman), Kristi Mann, Steve Mann, Nancy Smith-Dean (Robert Dean), Roy Mann (Ann Bellan-Mann); grandchildren John (Teresa) Mann-Moery, Jacob Mann, Maria Mann, Winston Smith; great-grandchildren Oliver Mann-Moery, and Lucy Mann-Moery. Joan is also survived by sister Judy Jacobsen Paget, brother-in-law Robert Jepson, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her beloved siblings: brother Henry Hughes "Jay" Jacobsen, Jr. (1994) and sister Jeane Jacobsen Jepson (2015).

We will honor Joan's life on Friday December 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Golden Gardens Bathhouse in Seattle. The service starts at 1:30pm.

All who knew Joan and her family are welcome to attend.