JOKINEN, Margaret Florence (Bunke) (Age 97) Margaret passed away peacefully
in her sleep on December 27, 2014 at Sullivan Park Care Center in Spokane. She
was born in Hettinger, North Dakota on June 7, 1917 to Arthur and Gevina Bunke.
She was raised, along with two brothers and two sisters on the family farm near
Bucyrus, N.D., where they endured the Great Depression and Dustbowl. After
graduating from high school early, she traveled to Minnesota (felt she had arrived
in Paradise!) to help her sister; returned to North Dakota, then made the journey
to Spokane in 1943 during WWII, feeling there would be opportunities out west.
There she met her husband, Verne, with whom she had five children. Her children
and grandchildren would be the light of her life. Later, she became a single mom
with five children still at home and worked very hard to provide for them all. She cleaned
house for many people, many of whom she would develop strong relationships with
for decades! Not wanting to retire, she chose to work up to the age of 88! She loved
dancing and went once or twice a week, well into her 80's. She especially looked
forward to any holiday where is was possible to have a family gathering at her home.
Preceding her in passing were her ex-husband, Verne; sister Gladys Liljegren; brothers
Milton and Dale Bunke; daughter-in-law Alice Jokinen and granddaughter Shanan
Harrington. She is survived by her four sons, Verne, Bruce, Roy (Linda), Mark (Debbie);
her daughter Marcia Harrington (Jim); her sister Hazel Hunt; also 12 grandchildren,
12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Margaret will be very missed.
The simple pleasures in her life, like music, dancing, cooking (especially for others), her
yard and flowers, kept her very active into her 90's. She had a welcoming spirit that made
her home inviting to all. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at
Sullivan Park Care Center and Hospice of Spokane for the always upbeat and positive
care given to Margaret during her time there!

"Whether it's cold or whether it's hot,
we shall have weather, whether or not"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Dec. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Jokinen

7 Entries

Kellee (Smith) Spangenberg

January 7, 2015

The beautiful grace you shared with your granddaughters made them the fine women they are today. I'll always remember your sweetness and gentle spirit. Thank you Grandma Jokinen. Heaven has definitely gained an angel.

Barbara Votava

January 5, 2015

My husband and I and all our children remember Margaret so fondly for the many years she cleaned our big family house. In all my working years I depended on her help and what a housekeeper she was! I always marveled at how thoroughly and quickly she could get through a house and, as my kids would say, leave it "smelling so good!"
She was there as our family grew and we always learned what was happening in her family as well; the worries and the blessings. Her family meant everything to her. She never wanted to be a burden and felt like if she kept working, she would be more likely to accomplish that. She was an immensely strong woman and hers was a life well-lived. She will not be forgotten.

Ami Bowen, CNA

January 2, 2015

I remember during my employment at Sherwood, Margaret kept slipping me five dollar bills as payment for doing her hair so nicely. Now, everyone knows caregivers are forbidden by law, and morally, to accept gifts unless it's a birthday or holiday. Well, in order to not hurt her feelings or her pride I began stacking the bills up in the locked medication room. I would show her son, Mark, and he would put the money back inside her purse and wallet while I was taking her to the bathroom and after that it became a little game of 'recycled cash' where she'd pay me five dollars, Mark would put it back in her purse and she'd give it to me again, over and over and no one got in trouble and everyone was satisfied. I still think of her whenever I see a five dollar bill! ^__^

Ami Bowen, CNA

January 2, 2015

I was one of Margaret's caregivers at Sherwood Forest, AFH in 2012-2013. We hardly got along at first and then I became the only one of the "girls" there that she'd allow to fix her hair for her. She was a pistol, but once you got to know her, she was a very funny, kind, down-to-earth, take-no-crap kind of lady. She was one of my favorite clients. Heaven gained another wonderful soul on December 27th, 2014.

Leah Scott

December 31, 2014

The world has definitely lost a SPECIAL lady! I have such fond memories of going to "Grandma's" house...she wasn't my biological Grandmother, but you would have never known. She was always so sweet to me and my kids and treated us like we were family. I remember thinking "if I grew old the way she did, I would be perfectly happy with that." She was amazingly strong and confident! Woman her same age (even younger) were giving up on basic activities while she was moving along at a marathon pace. May you rest in peace Grandma Jokinen....

annette mckinley

December 30, 2014

Aunt Margaret ,May you rest in peace and be the special guardian angel of all those that you loved while here on Earth. God rest your soul sweet lady.

Annette McKinley(Bunke)

jim summers

December 30, 2014

What a special Lady. I have great memories about the times we shared, and Mark my wife still remembers the first time she met you and how well your house was maintained, Your mom taught you well.
Peace Be with you all.

Jim Summers and family

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