Longtime Cosmopolis resident Joan A. Kowalsky, age 85, passed away in Elma on Nov. 21, with her family at her side. Joan was born in 1936 in Hoquiam to Warren and Helen (Mercer) Wells. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, and five siblings: Herb, Jim, and Tom Wells; Alice Nelson and Roberta DeVerna.

Joan is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Dave) Barnett and three sons: Leonard (Cathy) Kowalsky, Richard (Darlene) Kowalsky, and David (Donna) Kowalsky. She was also survived by sister Myrtle Walls, sister-in law Sandy Wells, brother-in-law Melvin DeVerna, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan had nine grandchildren which she was very proud of and six great-grandchildren that lit up her life every time she saw them.

Joan graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1954. In 1955, she married Richard L Kowalsky in Aberdeen and they made their home in Cosmopolis where they raised four children. Joan was employed at several local restaurants and spent almost 30 years as a cook at Cosmopolis School where she would ultimately retire. During this time, she also started a cake decorating business and made beautiful wedding cakes.

After Joan and Richard retired, they moved to their lake side summer cabin in Shelton, Washington, and made many happy memories with their children and grandchildren while swimming, waterskiing, boating and doing family activities. While living in Shelton, Joan bought a quilt shop with her partner Candace and ran the business successfully for 10 years. Joan and Richard then moved back to Cosmopolis to be closer to family and grandchildren.

Joan was very talented with her sewing machines, a masterful craftswoman who made incredibly artistic quilts and would often help family and friends with sewing projects just for the joy of it. Joan was a member of multiple quilting groups and cherished the time with her quilt friends. She enjoyed going on quilting retreats with her daughter Kathleen and would travel to secluded locations, set up sewing machines, quilt and sew with friends, and enjoy the company of other quilt enthusiasts. Joan was diverse in her hobbies, and she learned woodworking to make wooden doll houses, miniatures, snowmen, train cars, Santa sleighs and all sorts of holiday items. When she set her sights on a craft project there was nothing she couldn’t accomplish.

Joan touched many people in her life, and she will be missed by all that knew her.

Joan will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, Cosmopolis, Washington, next to her husband Richard. In keeping with Joan’s wishes there will not be a funeral service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Hoquiam Timberland Library, 420 7th St., Hoquiam, WA 98550

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.