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BORN

1929

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Service

1301 Broadway

Bellingham, Washington

Joan Rothausen Obituary

Joan Rothausen

August 29, 1929 - December 23, 2024

Bellingham, Washington - Born on August 29, 1929 in Mt. Vernon, WA, to parents Ernest and Bertha (Bradford) Brown, Joan passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 at her Bellingham home.

Joan graduated from Burlington High School in 1947 and, on her 18th birthday, married the love of her life, David Rothausen. Together, they raised their two children in Ferndale.

A lover of nature, Joan found joy in fishing and time spent by the water. Her passion for traveling took her and David on many adventures, embracing new cultures and experiences. They shared many cruises, exploring distant shores and enjoying each other's company. She also loved playing Bridge and Cribbage with David.

Joan's appreciation for the water extended to her time at Sandy Point, where she delighted in walking along the beach. Known for her spirit of hospitality, she was an entertaining force, always throwing lively parties and barbeques that gathered friends and family in celebration. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and joyful gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, David, in 2011; and her brother, Stan Brown.

Survivors include her children, Brad (Rose) Rothausen and Karen Rothausen Fox (Don Teel); grandchildren, Elizabeth Rothausen, Erich Rothausen, and Benjamin Fox; and several beloved great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Whatcom Humane Society.

You may share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Dec. 24 to Dec. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Rothausen

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6 Entries

Lennette Corwin

January 8, 2025

We always enjoyed a glass of wine and discussing our travels. Joann was such a delightful person and I enjoyed working with both her and David over my years in banking.

Mike & Marilynn O'Brien

January 2, 2025

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

john follman

December 29, 2024

condolaces to family. remember from boating trips 60s Dave was a great guy

Susan & Bob Plumb

December 27, 2024

To the Rothausen family...
We are so sorry to hear of Joan passing. She was an amazing lady... She always had a twinkle in her eye and a fun story to tell! Glad to have had lunch with her in September and heard about her renewing her drivers license for 6 years. She loved that:) We have so many fun memories of times together with both Joan & David through the years.
Our love to you all, Bob & Susan Plumb

Nancy & Ron Haugness

December 26, 2024

So sorry to read that Joan has passed. She was a very gracious, classy and lovely lady. We always enjoyed her company when she came with Karen to Elites Car Club events. She will be missed.

Mike Rawls

December 25, 2024

Dear Rothausen Family, We are so sorry to learn of your / our loss of Joan. She was a great addition to our Car Club events. She will be missed, sadly. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers . Mike and Linda Rawls

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Service

1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225

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