Joan Parker King

Joan Parker KING January 12 1937 - April 8th 2006 Joan King passed away surrounded by family in the calmness of the morning, thinking of her family and friends. Joan leaves all of us with her gifts of inspiration and positive attitude. She lived everyday to its fullest, never complaining but instead finding the positive in any situation. It is that optimistic outlook on life that we will embrace in her memory. Joan was born in Aberdeen, WA to Lester & Adrienne Parker in 1937. In 1949, Joan served as a Paige in the Washington State Senate. She graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1955 where she was a song queen and co-editor of the school newspaper. She attended Girl's State and from there was selected to represent Washington State at Girl's Nation in Washington DC. She earned her bachelors degree at Seattle University and was Miss Capitol Hill, Seattle University Military Ball Queen and a Seafair Princess. She married Mark Dedomenico and had four children, Mary Jo, Cathy, Veda Jo and Mark Jr. She taught sewing at Forest Ridge in Seattle and stories are still told about Mrs. D. and her students. In 1974, Joan married Tracy King and welcomed into their family his four sons, Tracy Jr., Don, Ted and David. Tracy and Joan shared a thirty year marriage full of adventures, family and friends. Joan worked for Golden Grain/Vernells as a quality assurance manager. She was the test cook and recipe creator for many pasta dishes and chocolate desserts. She also worked at Bronka's clothing store in the University Village and it is rumored she bought more clothes than she sold. Being an avid tennis player at Harbor Square, she competed in the Super Seniors and each summer went to Bend, Oregon to play in regionals. Joan continued to play with all her friends through her illness. Joan also enjoyed the game of golf. She played at Seattle Golf Club and joked that she was recruited to play on the club team. She was recently in Palm Springs playing in a golf tournament and said she had never felt better. She had many wonderful friends through tennis, golf, bridge and farkle. Joan was a die hard Husky fan attending both football and basketball games. Joan would always light up a room with her contagious laugh, her enormous smile and her twinkling eyes. Joan was preceded in death her husband, Tracy. She is survived by her brother, Thomas Parker (Margaret), her four children, Mary Jo (Doug), Cathy, Veda Jo, Mark (Marci); four step-sons, Tracy Jr.(Gail), Don, Ted (Kristy), David. Her involvement with her seventeen grandchildren was a highlight of her life. She enjoyed watching them as they participated in sports, plays, concerts, and other activities. She was a beautiful spirit and will be missed by many. At Joan's request a Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church in Lynnwood (6511-176th St. S.W.). Reception will follow at Seattle Golf Club (210 NW 145th St.). Joan requests, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NW Hospital Foundation Cancer Lifeline Program, 1550 North 115th ST., Seattle, Wa. 98133.