JOANNE KAY VALENTINE

Joanne Kay (Williamson) Valentine, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend passed away on January 24, 2014, having just celebrated her 75th birthday.

Joanne was a long-time resident of the Skagit Valley.

She was born January 1, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, WA to Earle and Doris Williamson. Joanne had the distinct honor of having been the first baby born in Skagit County that year. She was raised in Mt. Vernon and graduated from MVHS in 1957.

Joanne wed the love of her life, Tommy (Thomas G. Valentine Jr.), on May 12, 1961. Tom and Joanne initially lived in Mt. Vernon before settling in Oak Harbor, WA where Tom was stationed by the U.S. Naval Service. The family transferred to Oceana, VA in 1965 for a brief time, and then returned to Oak Harbor where they remained until Tom's retirement from the Navy in 1974. Upon retirement the family relocated to Burlington, WA, where Joanne lived for the duration of her life. Joanne worked in various positions and was active in the Navy Wives Club.

Tom and Joanne purchased Jerry's Grocery, in Mt. Vernon, WA, in 1982 and operated the business until 1994, at which point they sold the business and became fully retired. Joanne was not one to remain idle, and opted to focus her energies on city government. Joanne became an elected council member on the Burlington City Council in 1996. Joanne retired from her council seat in 2011, having served 16 years. She was very proud of the projects and initiatives that were accomplished during her extended term, which included new facilities for the fire department, public safety (police & court), community library, and City Hall and improvements to the Skagit River Park Playfields. Joanne served on the SKAT Board and Burlington Parks Advisory Board.

Joanne was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Tom Valentine, her parents, Earle and Doris Williamson, her brother, David Williamson, her sister, Karen (Williamson) Ross, and her first grandson, Justin Robicheau.

She is survived by her four daughters, Susan (Henry) Robicheau; Jeanne (Gary) Petershagen; Lynn (Doug) DenAdel; and Michele (Erik) Hansen; her brother Richard (Sally) Williamson, and her cherished grandchildren: Stephanie and Evan Robicheau; Christopher and Megan Petershagen; Alan and Hillary DenAdel; and Erika, Trevor and Makenna Hansen; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many life-long, dear friends.

Joanne was an avid bowler and played accordion in her younger days. She enjoyed cooking, camping, traveling and attending various sporting, dance and choral events of her grandchildren. Her loss will be shared by all who knew her.

Viewing will be held Friday, February 7, 2014 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Saturday, February 8, 2014 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mt. Vernon.

Friends and family are invited to join the family in a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Graveside service will be held at Hawthorne Cemetery at 2pm, followed by a memorial service at Burlington Lutheran church at 3pm, and reception at Burlington Community Center at 4pm.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at both Skagit Valley Hospital & Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro Woolley; they are truly beautiful people who love what they do which was very apparent in the genuine care they gave our Mom in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made Burlington Parks Foundation c/o Kathi Williams at 18155 Joy Place, Burlington, WA 98233.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.