Joan Marie Coomer

Joan Marie (Wickham) Coomer passed away on January 16, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was 62 years old.
Joan was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 18, 1961. Ever cheerful and never tired, a pastor once banned her from church camp, as the child who never sleeps. She remained that same bubbly, upbeat person throughout her life, using her energy to enrich the lives of others. From her family to her colleagues, friends, care providers, and thousands of students and strangers, so many have known the gift of Joan's glow.
As a two-year-old, she wrapped her arms around a stuffed frog and said, "mine." From that point on, it was her constant companion. When Joan's mother saw her college boyfriend carrying it, she knew they were a done deal. Joan met Marc at Central Washington University, married soon after graduating, and celebrated their 40th anniversary last month. They shared a great love, kissing every time they'd see or leave each other, packing their car (to the brim, always) for their next adventure, and dancing whenever (and wherever) they heard their song, "What a Wonderful World".
Joan filled their home with laughter, elaborate home-cooked meals, and three boys. While staying home with her children, she could be found pouring them Italian sodas in cowboy mugs, painting dalmatian spots on their bedroom walls, and cheering them on as a proud hockey mom. After her boys started school, Joan resumed her career as a teacher. She first strengthened her Spanish skills as a high school exchange student in Mexico, where her blonde hair fascinated children and she developed her love of spicy food. As a teacher of English language learners, Joan made it her mission to help them acclimate, introducing them to culture alongside the standard subjects. She once left a boy from Korea beaming with pride after measuring the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. It's clear why her students were so devoted to her.
Joan is preceded in death by her brother, Billy. She is survived by her parents, Bill and Gini, her husband, Marc, her sons, Christian, Bryce, and Teddy, her daughter-in-law, Lily, her grandson, Layton, and her love, which will always be present tense.
In lieu of flowers, please consider visiting coomerworks.com/joan to contribute to a cause close to her heart.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.