Joan Washington

Joan was born in Siletz, Oregon to Joseph and Mary (Brown) Washington. As a child, she attended Chemawa Indian School along with several of her sisters. She moved to Portland, Oregon from Siletz, where she lived for many years. In 1982, she relocated to Salem, Oregon to be closer to family. Prior to retirement she worked as a personal caregiver and took great pride in her work with clients.

During a trip to Siletz to visit her sister, Wilma, Joan gave her life to the Lord. She was a strong prayer warrior for her family as well as many others. Joan was an Elder of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. She loved her Tribe and was known to speak up with her concerns and for the needs of all Tribal Members.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sisters-Josephine, Wilma, Lorna, Bernadine, and Wilverna; Children-Margo, Vanessa, and Dino; Grandsons- Bill, and Ryan and great granddaughter-Arianna. She is survived by sons-Shawn Suazo of Granger, WA, and Vance Anderson of Pendleton, Oregon; Sisters-Pauline Montana of Portland, OR and Cynthia Lozano of Salem, Oregon; 17 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren, and 8 Great Great Grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed by her family