Joan Rochelle Heide, daughter of Russell and Clarice (Birkenfeld) McDonald, was born in Port Angeles, Washington on March 28, 1950. She passed away June 7, 2022, at the age of 72 after a valiant nine-month battle with lung cancer.
A graduate of Quinault Lake High School, she earned a degree from South Sound Community College in Olympia. Employed as a para legal and office manager in Eugene, Oregon, at Moore & Jensen for 30+ years, she helped prepare workman’s compensation injury cases until her retirement in 2015.
She married Kevin C Heide on Jan. 31, 1982, in Eugene, Oregon where they enjoyed 40 years together. Waterskiing well into her 50’s, Joan owned numerous ski boats and made many houseboat trips to Lake Shasta. She was a voracious reader, played the piano, and spent many hours gardening in her park-like backyard. It was a source of pride that something was always blooming. After selling her 1988 Mastercraft, she had a swimming pool installed, which became the focal point for them and other visitors. Her special enjoyment was having her grandkids visit for the summer months. Playing “Pool Volleyball” became a favorite passion. In the pool she found peace and solitude, a heaven she craved. Other sports she enjoyed were bowling, golf, tennis, snow skiing and coed softball. She also played Pinochle, Dominos, Pictionary and Trivial Pursuit. Her common sense and intelligence usually allowed her to prevail. She was a great conversationalist. People enjoyed being on her team and delighted in her wit and humor. Later in life, she learned to knit, crochet and use her embroidery machine to create fabric art. Five years ago, they moved back to Olympia to see family often and cheer at her grandkids’ sporting events.
Joan is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Heide. Her son Calvin Clark and grandchildren Angus and Molly of Shelton, Washington. Son Jacob (Heidi) Clark and their children Tayler, Payton, Chase and Jaden of Olympia, Washington. Joan was immensely proud of her family. Her mother Clarice McDonald; sister Linda (Jerry) Charlton and brother Jon (Judy) McDonald of Montesano, Washington. Joan was preceded in death by her father Russell, sister Nancy and her beloved pets Shaq, Zoie, Sammy & Gina (all Shih Tzus).
A celebration of her life will be held on July 30, 2022, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Calvary Chapel “The Center,” 313
Pioneer Avenue West, Montesano, WA 98563. Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Contact the family at PO Box 899, Chehalis, WA 98532.
