Joan Donohue's Obituary
Joan Donohue was born on March 20, 1936, in Tacoma, Washington, and passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 in the home she and her husband had built together.
Joan was the beloved daughter of James and Evelyn Ockfen. In 1954, Joan married Edward Donohue, Sr., and together they built a loving home near Lake Spanaway, where they raised their three children: Edward Donohue, Jr. (wife Trix Philliber), Kathleen Donohue (husband Greg Lippert), and Michael Donohue.
Joan excelled at many things, but above all she was devoted to her roles as a mother and friend. She embraced life with joy and made sure her children and grandchildren, Sean Donohue, Bevin Glover, Patrick Donohue, and Blaine Donohue experienced the simple pleasures of sunny summer days at the lake and the magic of Christmas holidays in her beautifully decorated home.
A gracious and gifted hostess, Joan delighted family and friends with gatherings that were as warm as they were memorable. Whether hosting feasts in her home or picnics by the lake, she filled every table with delicious, homemade dishes, from her famous Christmas crab louis and clam chowder to her cookies, cakes, and divinity. Her culinary and floral creations were a joy to both the eye and the palate.
Professionally trained as a floral designer, Joan brought beauty and creativity to countless lives. She created lasting memories for her clients, mentored new generations of designers, wrote for Florist & Grower magazine, and provided business consultation to floral enterprises from Oregon to Alaska.
Joan also had a deep love of travel and adventure. She never missed an opportunity to explore, whether fishing in Alaska or sailing the Mediterranean, she approached each journey with enthusiasm and wonder.
To fully capture Joan’s many gifts and the depth of her spirit would require at least one book. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her children, grandchildren: Bevin Glover, Blaine Donohue, Rick Donohue, and Sean Donohue as well as great grandchildren: Allie Graham, Ethan Graham, Grayson Donohue, Natalie Donohue, Parker Donohue and Pierce Donohue. She will remain forever in our hearts.
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