Joan Esther Gabriel

Joan Esther Gabriel

Bothell, WA - Our dear mother, Joan Esther Gabriel, passed away peacefully at home in Bothell, WA surrounded by family on January 27, 2024 at the age of 85 years old. She was born in Quincy, MA. Joan graduated from Norwich University, Vermont in 1997 with a Degree in Liberal Studies. She lived and worked as a tour guide at the Frary House in Historic Deerfield, MA for over 20 years before moving to Washington to live with family. Joan had a keen interest in local history and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with others and continued to educate herself.

With a strong affinity for nature she loved hiking and bird watching with friends and family. Being in the woods is where Joan felt most at peace. Her love of nature was seen in her watercolor paintings and the poetry she wrote so beautifully!

Joan had an adventurous side to her. In the early 1990s she sold her house, packed up her things and drove solo cross country to explore many of our country's national parks, and to spend time with her children and grandchildren. This inspired many of Joan's watercolor paintings too.

She is survived by her children Kathy of Chicago, Illinois, Mark of Penhook, Virginia, Susan of Bothell, Washington, Jackie of Burlington, Connecticut, Jim of Edwards, Colorado, her 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.