Joanne-DeMark-Obituary

Joanne Frances DeMark

Bellingham, Washington

About

LOCATION
Bellingham, Washington

Obituary

Send Flowers

Joanne Frances DeMark April 27, 2024 Bellingham, Washington - Joanne F. DeMark, a renowned LGBTQIA+ advocate and Western Washington University (WWU) leadership educator, passed away peacefully at the Christian Health Care Center, Lynden, Washington, during the early morning of April 27. Dr....

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Joanne was one of the most inclusive colleagues I had the privilege of working with at Western Washington University. Her legacy lives on through the lives of the students she educated, the positive impact she had on the University environment and the colleagues she collaborated with throughout the years to make Western a better place. Kudos to you, Dr. DeMark, and all the best to you in your new adventure.

I was honored to get to know Joanne during her last few months here. One of her friends said "she loves deep and she loves Big! " and I totally felt that love in the brief time I knew her. Setting up video calls for Joanne allowed me to have a glimpse of how many people's lives she influenced. She was and is a bright shining star and I know she is in the highest heaven. Happy Trails to you Joanne until we meet again!!

I was so very sorry to hear of the death of Joanne. I am sending our deepest sympathy and prayers toyou, Susan, and your family. May she Rest In Peace.

I didn't know Joanne well, but I was her neighbor for several years. We were both at a dinner party at another neighbor's home a few years ago, and I remember that Joanne was funny, and I enjoyed our conversation. But we didn't have much opportunity to spend time together again. I was sorry to hear of her death and her family and friends have my deepest sympathy.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories Joanne.

Joanne was a joyful, spirited, insightful colleague and leader. So down to earth and fun loving while being an incredible advocate for students and bringing a humane stance to higher education. I will miss her laughter and leadership, her support and insight. Onward sister. I´m sure your spirit will continue to light up the universe.

So incredibly saddened by the loss of our dear Joanne. My colleague, friend, mentor. She was the most generous educator, so inviting and inclusive, a larger then life personality in that tiny body! We shared songs, poetry, stories, ideas. She has left behind a tremendous mark on this world, at Western, in my heart. Will forever see and hear her greeting me with "Wendilicious" with her smiling eyes and lyrical lilt.

Joanne's obituary is a tribute to her many superb qualities and accomplishments. Underpinning them all was her love of life and people. She had a playfulness about her, both impish and embracing, that made you feel she was your best friend. And for the time you were in her presence, you were just that.

Joanne was a dear friend who I affectionately called "Joella." Even though we lost touch over the years after her move to the West coast, we recently reconnected briefly and picked up where we left off. I traveled with her, attended events with her and she had the most incredible sense of humor and laugh! The woman could also out dance anyone! Joanne was brilliant beyond belief and was generous with her knowledge. I miss those days of laughter and fun. But I know she´s directing traffic in...