Our sweet, beloved daughter and sister, Joan Marie Evenson, passed away on May 31, 2018 at her Cathlamet home. She was born in Longview on October 4, 1954, the third of three daughters, to Wanda and Neal Evenson. Joan grew up attending schools in Longview, graduating from R. A. Long, and spending summers on the water at the family cabin on Lake Merwin.

Joan went on to a varied career, working at Scheurich's Food Market, owning her own business as a cosmetologist, a stint as a Black Jack dealer in Tahoe, and waitressing at The Duck Inn in Skamokawa. For the past 12 years, Joan worked for the US Postal Service delivering mail on rural routes and staffing the Post Offices in Skamokawa and Cathlamet.

Joan is survived by her mother Wanda Evenson; two sisters, Chris Evenson and Sue Ray (John) and her partner, Mike Grasseth.

Joan was kind, sensitive, independent, creative, intelligent and private, but also tough, courageous, fierce and one of those people who never shirked from hard work. She loved her home and garden, and was a fearless "Do-It-Yourselfer." She was an animal lover and still mourning the loss of her Chocolate Lab, Abby.

The finer things in life for Joan were being in the sun, on the water, camping, going to the beach, flying her kites and working in her yard. She was a fun and adventurous free spirit. Joan loved technology and the challenge of applying it to her life. Joan was a dedicated and loyal daughter and sister. We loved nothing more than making ourselves laugh until the tears streamed down our cheeks.

One of Joan's particular interests was literary fantasy. She loved J.R.R. Tolkien's epic works The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, fairies, unicorns, and anything magical. As a child she remarked, "When I am 18 years old and have to get married, I want to have my honeymoon at Disneyland." This sweet and touching memory sums up Joan's love of the magical.

Joan found love and fun companionship with her partner, Mike Grasseth. We will be forever grateful to Mike and his dog Buddy for bringing our Joan great happiness.

Joan, you are forever in our hearts, gone way too soon. Our hearts are broken.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at a later time.