Joan Nugent's Obituary
Joan Sharron (Chesley) Nugent was born May 24th, 1939 to June (Severson) Chesley and Paul Chesley in Tacoma Washington, passed away in Tacoma Washington at 7am on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018. Born at the end of the great depression, her early years were during WWII. She lived in Tacoma with her mother and the women in her extended family, since most of the men were away serving during the war. After WWII Joan moved to Midland and attended Midland School from the second grade, then to Franklin Pierce High School, class of 1957.
It was there in Midland, that she met Larry Nugent, a neighborhood friend who later became her husband of 60 years; they were married July 7, 1956. They began their married life in Seattle, where Joan worked for Peoples Bank and then PNB TelCo. They moved back to the Midland area when her twin boys Scott and Marty were born November 1957. They purchased their first home in Parkland Washington, where her third son, Guy was born in May 1959.
1965 Joan and family moved to Renton, where she attained her Associates Degree from Highline Community College. Joan spent the next 8 years with the Bellevue School District. Raising three sons with her husband Larry made this time of her life rich and full. 1973 the family moved to Auburn where Joan achieved her goal of getting back to work with PNB Tel Co, where she worked until 1992 and was able to take an early retirement.
Joan was always Larry's partner in everything they did, she was his right hand, building their homes, their toys and even the infamous motor home. Joan and Larry invested in Real Estate and enjoyed second homes in Taylor Bay, Washington; Mohave Valley, Arizona and lastly, in Leavenworth. Joan was the architect... designing the homes, that she, Larry and her sons built, all the while maintaining their home in Auburn for 40 years. (which was remodeled 3 times). She loved to garden and created beauty in her yards, where she mindfully planted and sculpted each yard with an eye for balance, artistry and love.
Joan loved to travel. She camped, hiked, road motorcycles and loved outdoor sports. As time moved on she enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home, taking trips to Mexico and Hawaii, and enjoyed several cruises. She loved the mountains, the ocean and the desert. It was in Mohave Valley where Larry and her friends built her an art studio. She thrived painting and connecting with other artists.
Joan's essence was generosity. She always thought of others first. She didn't talk about it, she lived it. Her heart was open, kind and compassionate. She opened her homes, to her friends and her family and beyond. She had guest books for those that stopped thru on their travels to share their time in her homes that were full from Leavenworth and Arizona. She ensured that if someone was in a pinch she was there. Joan lived her beliefs humbly.
Due to Larry's illness in 2011 they moved to Twin Cedars, creating a more manageable life. Here they enjoyed a community of new friends. She was quite involved here as she always had been, everywhere she left a legacy of kindness and contribution. Joan built a rich long life with many friends; from her early childhood, school, work, travel, neighbors and the communities where she lived throughout her life.
Joan is survived by two sons Scott and Marty Nugent, 3 grandsons; Brandon, David and Jacob Nugent; as well as 4 great grandchildren; Austin, Jazmine, James and Elliot; sisters Paula Chesley Gamble, Sandy Burkett, Dawn Hilliker and Cathy Ausserer, as well as nieces, nephews and many cousins.
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