Irene Joanne Speers

Our loving wife, mother and grandmother passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, September 29, 2021.

(Irene) Joanne Speers was born at her grandparents’ home in Littlerock, Washington, February 15, 1936, just after midnight on a Saturday. Only child to (George) Albert Brown and Lorna Faye Butterfield Brown.

She grew up under the watchful eyes of her grandparents (Theodore) Fred and Maggie Brown. They were well equipped to care for her special mobility needs, being told she may never walk. With their help and God’s grace she grew up strong and independent and dearly loved by them, her parents, her stepparents and her lifelong friend Darlene.  They picked berries every summer and she didn’t seem to mind Darlene picking twice as many, because she took her pay daily and they stopped for chocolates (Mom’s life-long vitamins!)

Joanne graduated 1st of 3 generations from Puyallup High School in 1954, followed by Comptometer Operator Training.

She met her dream sailor, Bert, at the Old Mill and recalled square dancing, the Waltz and especially his Bunny Hop skills. It wasn’t until they were married that she realized this South Dakota rancher was an avid hunter and fisherman and gardener. She loved frying up fresh venison and every variety of trout, salmon and sturgeon that came in. She canned, annual, up to 60 quarts of wild blackberry jelly and she loved hosting family and friends.

Families are close “knit” but in mom’s case “close crocheted” would better describe ours. She would welcome company and family from near or far to pick a floral or a dress potholder set from a grand grab bag! She made 100’s of afghans and would design special order and she taught her craft to even to grandchildren.

Joanne raised her children and cared for countless other kids and grandkids & even great granddaughters. She was patient and kind and according to one grandson “the best grandma anyone could ask for. She demonstrated unconditional love and never afraid to tell you.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Bert, of 66 years, one sister Patricia, Children Bert Jr (Marlene), daughter Deb, son Dean (Kelly) daughter-in-law Brenda (Terry). Grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy, Philip, Shoshannah (Rob), Josiah (Bethany), Theodore (Misty), Ashley (Tyler) Cody and Samantha and Nate.  She also has 11 great grand children across the US and Canada and Many loving Nieces and Nephews and cousins.

She was preceded by her parents, her son John L and grandson Robert, and brother Dick.

“Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the lord forever”

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