Joanne Harpel

Joanne Marie (Conners, Buckner) Harpel

Joanne Harpel, of Redmond, WA., beloved wife, mother, sister,
and grandmother, passed away on Sunday, May 2
nd, 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 26
th, 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 13
th, 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 130
th Lane, Suite 120, Kirkland, WA, 98034.