Joan Schneider, 88 years old, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at Mother Joseph Care Facility in Olympia, Wash.

She was born on Feb. 14, 1929, to George and Ellen Norris in Hoquiam, Wash. She was the eighth child born and the eighth to pass away from a family of ten children.

Joan grew up playing at the Central Play Park in Hoquiam until the street lights came on, attending movies at The 7th Street Theatre, and working high school summers on the canal for a prominent Hoquiam family. She graduated from Hoquiam High School with the Class of 1948.

She married her high school sweetheart, Don Vanucie, who she met at a dance in Hoquiam, although he was from Aberdeen. Their first child, Kris, was born in Aberdeen, and their second child, Konnie (Suzie), was born in Everett. After divorcing Don, Joan returned to Hoquiam. After a second marriage, she raised her children by herself in Central Park.

Joan allowed her children to be free-spirited. Her home was always spotless as she welcomed any of their friends, including Kris’ bandmates who practiced (loudly) in the basement after eating homemade spaghetti and pies. She shared a love of eating popcorn, while watching Bewitched with the kids on Thursday nights. Everyone knew her from a block away when she would honk her ooga horn while driving her flashy red 1967 Cougar to pick Suzie up from a dance.

Joan’s first major job was at Rayonier and her last employment was at GH Community Hospital. She loved reading biographies, watching old movies, and spending time with her family. She looked forward to all of the holidays when she would bring her pumpkin pies and green Jello salad. She never stepped outside without her hair, make-up, and nails done.

She is survived by her children, Kris Vanucie and Konnie (Ron) Shelton; granddaughters, Bethani Vanucie, Nicole Vanucie, and Taelar Shelton; sisters, Sally (Pete) Hegg and Janice Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

At Joan’s request, there will be no service. Please share memories at www.FuneralAlternatives.org.