Joanne Harpel
Joanne Marie (Conners, Buckner) Harpel
Joanne Harpel, of Redmond, WA., beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 after a 16 month battle with lung cancer. She was at home, in her own bed, with family by her side and passed away peacefully.
Joanne was born in Seattle, WA. on December 26th, 1945, to Joseph and Dorothy Conners. She graduated from Rainier Beach High School in 1964.
Her first job was as an elevator operator at McDougals Department Store in downtown Seattle, and all through her life, she looked back at that job as her favorite of all her jobs.
Joanne also worked at Vince’s Italian Restaurant, Airborne Freight, ADP, Consilium, and in 2006 she retired from Emil’s Concrete Construction, where she always felt like she was a part of the family and loved everyone there.
Following High School, Joanne married Dave Buckner, and had two daughters, Lisa and Jennifer. As a lot of young marriages go, this one didn’t work out and she and Dave divorced.
She married Gary Harpel in 1976, and after five years, this marriage too ended. However, on July 13th, 1985, Joanne’s and Gary’s paths crossed and the old flame was instantly rekindled and they were remarried on 8/8/88, at the home they purchased together in Redmond. This time the marriage worked and they remained together, in that same home, until her death.
Joanne loved to travel and enjoyed their trips to Maui, the Caribbean, Mexico, Washington DC, Arizona, as well as the many road trips to destinations around Washington, Oregon, and Canada.
Joanne’s favorite loves of all, were her granddaughters. Jennifer’s two girls Isabella and Madeline, and Lisa’s daughter Lily. She enjoyed every minute she ever spent with them, and they enjoyed her as well.
Joanne was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister Arlene Ryndak. She is survived by her husband Gary, her brother David, daughters Lisa (Rob) Kerr, and Jennifer (Sid) Taylor, stepsons Shane and Travis, and granddaughters Lily, Isabella, Madeline, and Carmen.
Joanne was a beautiful lady and was loved by everyone that knew her. We will miss her dearly.
Donations in memory of Joanne may be made to Cascade Cancer Center Foundation, 12303 NE 130th Lane, Suite 120, Kirkland, WA, 98034.
6 Responses to “Joanne Harpel”
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To the Family of Joanne Harpel,
So sorry to learn about the lost of your Dear Loved One, Joanne. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death, including your Beloved Joanne. (John 11:41-44)
My husband, Steve, and I only knew Joanne a few years while we lived in WA but always felt like she (and Gary) were old friends. She was a joy to be around, whether it was at the Mustard Seed, Dino’s or anywhere else. We’re fortunate to have spent a week with her and Gary in Puerto Vallarta (where she never put on a bathing suit!)
To your family,
We so enjoyed the times we spent with Joanne and Gary.
Please accept our condolences to all of you at this time of sadness. We are sorry we are unable to attend the gathering for Joanne as we will be out of the area on May 15th.
Peter & Jill Coates
To the families of Joanne Conners-Harpel: I have known the Conners family over 50 years. It was a Blessing for us three Moser girls to know the Conners family because of their infectious laugh and so much fun we had together. Now, Joanne is in Heaven as one of God’s brightest stars. May our Lord bring you Peace and understanding during your time of grief. Love and Blessings to you, Cynthia & Jerry Mathews
Brother Harpel and Family,
Mere words at times like this are inadequate. I never had the pleasure of meeting Joanne but from what I have read my life would have been enriched had that opportunity presented itself. Treasure the years you had together and savor the memories.
In Peace and Solidarity,
Tom Lewiston
Rte #43
Dear Gary and family . . .
You all know how much I loved Joanne . . . what a special lady she was. She was so many things to me:
dilligent and loyal coworker; faithful and fun friend; surrogate mom when I needed some motherly advice; and grandma to my kids. I will miss her so much, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Lots of love to you all,
Suzanne (Buffy) Munson and family