JOYCE ELAINE SUTHERS

August 4, 1943 - June 15, 2016

Joyce Elaine Suthers, 72, passed away peacefully with her girls by her side on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at her home in Sedro-Woolley, WA.

Mom handled her two year battle with cancer with grace and humor and never let anyone see her defeated. She had a smile for everyone she met and loved making people laugh. Her endlessly witty, sharp sense of humor never failed to bring a smile to someone's face. She was always more concerned with how the people around her were doing rather than herself.

She was born on August 4, 1943, in Mount Vernon, WA and was a lifelong resident of Skagit Valley. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1961, she attended beauty school and opened her own salon. After having her girls, she became primarily a stay-at-home mom.

She loved antiques and for years refinished and reupholstered old furniture to give it new life and beauty. Mom also loved collecting Hull pottery and rabbit figurines. She worked hard to make her house beautiful and her back door was always open for friends and family. She was generous with her time and spent countless hours helping others.

Mom was happiest outside making everything look beautiful. A perfect day for mom was tending to her plants, watching the hummingbirds taking a bath in the fountain, butterflies floating from flower to flower, baby birds fledging out of the nest, and all the other woodland creatures that came to visit. If mom was outside, it wouldn't take long for her beloved pets, Skye and Leo and Charlotte, to come keep her company.

Thank you so much, mom, for all you did and all you taught us about life, love, and laughter. You are in our hearts forever, filling up that empty space of sadness with the memory of your warmth and your beautiful smile. We will miss you every day to come.

She is survived by her husband Marvin Suthers of Bayview, WA, her daughter Amy Suthers, her daughter and son-in-law Tami and Rod Glover, and granddaughters Megan DeLano and Debi Steinbach. She is also survived by siblings Helen Suthers, Norman Anderson, Donald Anderson, Carolyn Geisendorf, Linda Lyon, Nancy Adams, Evelyn Venesky, and Mark Anderson, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norris and Borghild Anderson, and brother, Lee Anderson.

A private memorial will be held at a later date to remember her.

Donations can be made in memorian to Hospice of the NW if desired.