Dorothy Joy Bond

Dorothy Joy Bond, lovingly known simply as Joy, passed away surrounded by the love of her family and the legacy she so beautifully created. Born on March 8, 1926, in her family’s longtime home in Lake Stevens, Washington, Joy was the cherished daughter of Ernest Paul Swaney and Virgil Edwidge Bourcier.

Joy’s early years were rich with warmth and kinship. She grew up in a tight-knit neighborhood where family lived all around. Joy shared an unbreakable bond with her two older brothers, Jim and Dale, whom she adored deeply. Her idyllic childhood was forever changed when, at the tender age of 12, she lost her father in a tragic event. With her mother needing to provide for the family, Joy stepped forward with courage beyond her years and became the homemaker, embracing responsibilities that shaped her remarkable resilience and fierce independence.

At 17, Joy married Cliff Bond as a wartime bride. Joy fully understood the strength and sacrifice such a role would demand. Throughout her life, she proved herself to be a woman of steel when circumstances called for it — tough, resourceful, and unwaveringly loyal to her family. Joy and Cliff raised their 3 children in Granite Falls Washington. Eventually building their dream home in Snohomish Washington where the family gathered at every opportunity.

Joy was known for her adventurous spirit and her eagerness to master anything she set her mind to. She could drive anything — from a family car to heavy equipment — and her work life reflected her versatility. She held roles as a bus driver, secretary, and in banking, each position carried out with her trademark competence and can-do attitude.

Outdoors, Joy truly came alive. She relished family camping trips and bird hunting, where she could match any man in marksmanship — though she patiently tolerated Cliff’s fishing exploits. Her zest for life carried into countless pastimes: lively card parties that lasted until dawn, dancing the night away, snow skiing, and slicing through the water on skis. She loved the open road too. Joy and Cliff traveled far and wide in their various RV’s — from Washington State to Washington D.C. and countless places in between. Spending many winters traveling throughout Arizona and visiting lifelong friends along the way. Cliff and Joy also traveled many times to Hawaii and shared a special trip to New Zealand.

Joy’s home was the heart of her family. She had a true gift for creating memorable meals that were as much about the gathering as the food itself. Preparing a grand meal was her art form — every dish timed perfectly, the table set to the nines, and the food served hot the moment family was called to sit and share in her warmth. The family always had their favorites; her traditional pork roast – any kind of gravy, her famous potato salad and of course the Christmas hors d oeuvres.

Dorothy Joy Bond’s life was a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the timeless strength of family ties. She leaves behind a legacy of grit and grace. She was our Queen Bee, and her hive will forever feel blessed to have had her guidance.

She will be deeply missed and forever celebrated by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Cliff Bond, her brother Dale Swaney (Marion) her brother James Swaney (Betty). She is survived by her three children: Clifford Bruce Bond (Barbara), Charles Scott Bond (Renae), and Cindy Joy Jones (Sonny). 8 Grandsons and 1 Granddaughter, 20 Great- Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Granddaughter. She also has multitudes of nieces and nephews that she loved and that loved her.

May she find peace with Cliff and loved ones gone before her, and may her memory continue to inspire those who remain.