Joan Patricia Dannenberg

Joan Patricia Dannenberg, Rochester, Washington, started the new year by moving to her Heavenly home January 1, 2025 at the age of 65. From denim overalls and cowboy boots to sparkly pink dresses, Joan was a character of variety. A lover of all things to do with nature, from sweeping landscapes to living critters, from ants to horses, Joan was a devoted advocate, especially for those injured, abused or needing a home. She found great joy and solace in her music, whether she played her guitar or piano. Her life was a tapestry woven with the threads of her many loves – her family, friends, passions, and pursuits.

Born May 31, 1959, in Gardenia, California. Joan grew up with a passion for all things outdoors, which followed her throughout her life. She attended Tenino High School. As a single mother, she wasn’t afraid of hard work to provide for her son, Joshua. For 20 plus years, she was employed by the Pepsi Company. She worked her last job as a caregiver for Always Caring, Chehalis. Her favorite job, however, was in the 90’s when she worked as a groundskeeper for several state parks.

Joan's kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication were evident in every aspect of her life. Known as a ‘Horse Whisperer” she seemed to have a way of bringing calm to an otherwise spirited steed. She could not turn away a single animal that appeared on her doorstep, and was an advocate for injured and homeless animals. As a little girl, she often collected ants in a jar, and took them to bed with her where she shared her cookies with them! Her compassion for the ‘wild things' showed in everything she surrounded herself with. When she wasn’t spending time with her animals, she was out taking a ride on her Honda Shadow.

She is survived by her son, Joshua Dannenberg, Olympia; her cherished granddaughter, Lilyanna Dannenberg, Olympia; her mother, Shirley Tax, North Port, Florida; her sister, Melody Turkel, Olympia, niece and nephew, Danelle Wilkins, and Lance Wilkins, Rochester; niece Sarah Anfeldt, North Port, Florida; and several great nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her father, Peter Dannenberg, her step father, Ben G Tax and one great-nephew, Matthew Anfeldt.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held April 4, 2025 at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, starting at 12:00 PM We invite all who knew and loved Joan to join us in remembering and honoring her remarkable life.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Horse Plus Humane Society (www.horseplus.org) in Joan's memory, to continue her legacy of compassion for all creatures great and small.

Joan will be forever remembered for her compassion, strength, and the positive impact she had on both humanity and the animal kingdom. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rest in peace, Joan. You are deeply missed and will always be cherished.