Joanne Arlene Nysether, 83, passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 1, 2020 in their Surprise, AZ home. She was born on June 27, 1936 in Oso, WA and was a long time resident of the Arlington, Darrington and Stanwood, WA communities and later in retirement as a snowbird in Arizona Traditions, Surprise, AZ

As the Nysether Family Matriarch, Joanne left a legacy behind called Family. She taught her children and grandchildren love, laughter, patience and perseverance. She passed down life skills such as sewing, gardening and cooking, with Lyle getting a home cooked meal nearly every day of their lives. She was an avid reader, who always had a stack of books and later audio books in many rooms of the house. She was a great listener with the kitchen table as the favorite gathering place and later with the help of i-phone's Facetime, she remained close to family and friends. Joanne loved to play bridge and was an avid quilter until her health and eyesight failed her.

She loved to travel and explored the United Kingdom and Europe, cruised multiple times to Alaska, and enjoyed the St Lawrence Seaway to Boston and the Panama Canal. Throughout her life she visited more than 40 states across the USA. During their 22 years in Arizona, they made friends from all across the country and visiting guests were treated to the vast beauty of the southwest. But there is no place like home to create memories. Their fruit tree orchard created a family tradition we celebrate still today – Apple Pie Day with over 4 generations of bakers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Lyle at home, three daughters and their spouses: Carolyn and John Cross, Catherine and Charles Cahuya, Linda and Wally Farley, four grandchildren and their spouses: Christy and Dean Miller, Sarah and Eric Nelson, Justin and Shawnie Cahuya, Matthew and Robyn Farley, and seven great grandchildren: Landon, Payton, Cadence, Tristan, Everly, Kohen and Madison. Brothers and their spouses: Ike and Mary Bradley, Skip and Judy Bradley and Buzz (deceased) and Sandy Bradley. Sisters and their spouses: Patty and Zsolt Dornay and Addie McCloud Bradley. And numerous extended Family and Friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rush and Johanna Bradley, brother Buzz and sister Carolyn.

Graveside services will be attended by immediate family. A Celebration of Joanne's Life is planned later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joanne's memory to Church of Transfirguration, @ of Rev. Janet Lloyd 56738 Sturgeon Rd, Darrington, WA 98241; or the Silvana Firefighters Association, PO Box 129, Silvana, WA 98287 or a charity of your choice.

Joanne will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in the memories of her family and friends.