Harriet "JoAnne" Bramsen

Harriet "Joanne" Bramsen, 74, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved with all her heart. Born in Missoula, Montana, on February 1, 1951, to Joseph and Shirley McElroy, Joanne faced a challenging childhood that taught her resilience at a young age. From those hardships, she grew into a woman of extraordinary strength, compassion and depth. Everything she endured shaped her into the wife, mother, friend, and caregiver who gave her whole heart to others.
On January 11, 1971, she married Wayne Rennal Bramsen, the love of her life, in Vancouver, Washington. Their love story started in the simplest, and funniest way. Joanne used to pull into the gas station where Wayne worked and buy fifty cents of gas, not because she needed it, but because she wanted an excuse to check him out. They didn't date long before deciding they were it for each other. That little spark at the gas pump turned into 36 years of laughter, hard work, and dedication until Wayne's passing in 2007.
Joanne dedicated her life to her family and to creating a home that was warm, welcoming, and full of love. She was the heart of every gathering-the one always cooking, cleaning, and making sure everyone was cared for. Her selflessness was unmatched. She never asked for much yet gave everything she had to those around her.
Her work reflected her caring nature. From Montana Power to Blue Heron Farms, to driving for the City of Albany, Joanne always gave her best. But her true calling came when she began working with children with special needs as a bus driver and classroom assistant. Her patience, kindness, and big heart touched countless lives until her retirement in 2008.
Joanne found joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life. Her greatest purpose was caring for her husband, her home, her yard and her family. She was a doting wife, the kind who cooked, cleaned, worried, and loved with her whole heart. Making a warm and welcoming home wasn't just something she did, it was who she was. And boy, if you knew her, you knew this: there wasn't a stain on Earth she couldn't get out. She loved spending time with her family and friends playing games or cards. In her down time you would find her in the yard gardening, fishing, scrapbooking or watching her favorite shows. She loved trips to the beach, collecting butterflies, and playing games on her phone. Whatever she was doing, she made every moment brighter.
As we say goodbye, we hold onto the peace of knowing that she is no longer in pain. The light that once lived so brightly in her beautiful green eyes has returned as she takes Wayne's hand again in heaven. After 18 years apart, their reunion restores her joy, her laughter, and that unforgettable sparkle that only he could bring out.
She is survived by her children, who were truly her whole world, Jarrod (Roxie) Bramsen of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Brandy Skelton of Tangent, Oregon; Stepchildren Todd (Colleen) Bramsen of Moorefield, West Virginia and Corrina (Rex) Bramsen-Umland of Post Falls, Idaho, brother Jim McElroy of Kalispell, Montana; grandchildren Gage (Mekenzie), Addison, and Ryker Bramsen; Hayley (Gaege) Fosdick; Tucker and Damon Skelton; Cody Bramsen; Tony and Sierra Sims; Eddie Fink; Brant and Braxton Schmidt; Briana (Justin) Kamrath; Jenaya Twite; Cody (Gina) Bramsen, Colton Bramsen, several great grandchildren, and a great great granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wayne, daughter Theresa, son Toby, her parents, grandsons Bobby and Josh, sister Shirley, and brother Joe.
Joanne's life was a testament to love, sacrifice, and grace. She was the glue that held her family together, the safe place everyone turned to, and the light that made every day brighter. To know her was to love her-and to be loved by her was the greatest gift.
We will carry your love in our hearts forever, until we meet again. Your laughter, your kindness, and your unwavering devotion will live on in every memory, every story, and every life you touched. God broke the mold when He made you, Mom-you were truly one of a kind.
Services, followed by a Celebration of Life potluck to follow, will be held at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at 2:00 PM.