(Mary) Joann Furnas of Camano Island, Washington born in Bellingham, Washington to Joseph and Faye Urbick, passed away peacefully with her family near at Providence Hospital, Everett, Washington at the age of 89.

Joann is survived by her children Lynn (Russ), Steve (Kendal), Dave (Randy) and her grandchildren; Erin, Austin (Analie), Elyse and her great grandchild, Poppy and many nieces and nephews.

Joann was predeceased by her husband Del, her parents, siblings; Faye, Margy and Wally, and her granddaughter, Lisa.

Joann attended Assumption Catholic School in Bellingham and graduated from Everett High School in 1953. She then married Del Furnas, her high school sweetheart, on August 11, 1953

They were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Everett and celebrated their 69th anniversary before Del's passing in 2022. Joann always loved the fact that her mother had made her wedding dress.

After marrying Del they spent a short time in California, where Del was stationed and then moved back to the Puget Sound area.

She raised her family in Mukilteo and spent most of her remaining years on Camano Island. She loved seeing the water, sunsets at the beach and enjoying a good bowl of clam chowder.

Joann thought it was special to have two good friends named Anita. Anita Hill was her childhood friend with whom she had fond memories of their times together, especially riding horses. Anita Hill also was the punch bowl server at Joann's wedding. In her adult years it was Anita Oakes of Mukilteo who she spent much time with, which often included Joann's sister-in-law, Carol Urbick, and sometimes her friend Patti Spencer. Joann shared a special friendship with her sister Margy that lasted throughout their lives.

Joann always looked forward to their many visits and phone calls.

In Joann's life, God was foremost. From a young girl to her going home, her faith and trust in God sustained her. And she prayed.

Oh, how she prayed!

Joann attended St. John's Catholic Church in Mukilteo and St. Cecilia in Stanwood. She was a faithful member and was willing to serve where needed. From ironing altar linens and helping Lenora make her Italian spaghetti for a church dinner, Joann was there to help. She was a generous giver especially to children's charities and people in need. She had a big heart. "Footprints in the Sand" was her favorite poem.

Joann's family meant everything to her. "As long as I have my family around me, I'm okay" even if it's only their pictures. She was a good mom and always concerned about her children's well-being. She loved being a grandma and doing grandma things with her grandchildren. She was a kid at heart.

Joann liked "the simple things that make you smile". She was witty and wise with a good sense of humor and she had a great imagination. With her sister Faye, she expressed her creativity in making ceramics and we received many ceramic Christmas ornaments. Every year she helped her kids make a Christmas ornament of some kind.

She liked to cook, can and bake. Joann made the best homemade bread and pies, with blackberry being her favorite.

Our holidays were always special with her meals, baking and decorations. Joann also enjoyed many years at "Club", a meeting once a month to visit and make items for the home.

Joann enjoyed working in the yard, flowers, going for walks, a good book but mostly time with her family. Our mini dachshund "Ladybug" brought her much joy.

Joann was a kind, caring and gracious person, putting others before herself. She was patient and positive and made the best of things. She liked talking and being with people and was quick to lend a helping hand or encouraging word.

In August, 2024 Mom said "Time fades and we fade. We keep you as long as we can" and we did.

She will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Mass for Joann will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 9:00am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Stanwood, Washington.

Interment will be at Holyrood Cemetery, Shoreline, Washington for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.