Elva Joan Tonkin

Just ten days shy of her 93rd birthday, Joanne Tonkin passed away on June 11, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. She was born June 21, 1932, in Iliff, Colorado to Nora Winifred and Arthur Loren Woodruff. She moved to the Pacific Northwest with her family as a teenager—much to her dismay at the time. In 1951 she married Martin Tonkin, and they lived on a houseboat. In 1958 they moved to Lake Forest Park. where she lived for 67 years.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Martin Tonkin, her eldest daughter, Nora Mae Brown, and son in law David Brown. She is survived by her daughters Maggie (Bill Henley) Hart, Laureen (Travis Gray) Hart, and Sandra Tonkin; grandchildren Stephanie (Jim) Stevenson, Michelle Brown, Andrew (Bekka) Brown, William (Katelyn Troastle) Henley, and Kayla (Shelly Surprise ) Henley; and six great-grandchildren.

Joanne had a deep fondness for mysteries, autobiographies, and any creative pursuit she could share with others. She sewed costumes, crafted wedding attire, and eagerly took on any project that allowed her to teach a skill or make something beautiful. A dedicated gardener, she was a member of the Lake Forest Park Garden Club for many years. In 1983 she earned her associate degree in floral design, which she put to use for many years.

Her commitment to community ran just as deep. Whether designing last-minute corsages for local events, donating blood and platelets, or volunteering with the Girl Scouts, Joanne always found a way to lend a hand.

She also had a curious and generous mind—participating in numerous medical research studies, especially those focused on brain health and cognition, as a way to give back and contribute to future understanding.

Joanne was a loved and loving presence in the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed—with all the love she helped bring into the world.

We also thank the kind staff at Kaiser Permanente and Virginia Mason who took such good care of our mother.

A memorial will be held on 7/13/2025 from 2:30 to 6:00 PM at Lake Ballinger Center 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace, WA.