Joan Marie Perry

Joan was born November 21, 1938, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Holly H. Holtz and Marie C. Holtz (née Vandervoort). As a child, she moved with her family to the Yakima Valley, where she grew up in Grandview, Washington. She graduated from Grandview High School in 1956 and went on to attend Central Washington College of Education, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree.

She later moved to Seattle, where she eventually met Richard "Dick" Perry on a blind date. They fell in love and, on June 13, 1964, just two months after they met, were married at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Joan and Dick were active parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for more than 60 years.

Joan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and a truly multi-talented homemaker. She found joy in sewing, quilting, knitting, and embroidery. She created beautiful ribbon roses for her own wedding and for other special occasions over the years. She enjoyed painting and coloring, working with beads, making Christmas ornaments and Christmas cards, cooking, and baking.

Joan’s rolls and cinnamon rolls were legendary, and her rose cookies, gingerbread cookies, and date-filled cookies were cherished Christmas traditions. Her granddaughter Olivia especially loved her caramel corn. Joan made the best pie crust, and her lemon meringue pie was a family favorite. She baked liberally for Sunday coffee hour at church for many years, and she often shared treats with neighbors. When Dawn and Rich were growing up, there were always cookies in the cupboard. The Perry house was the place to be, and several of Dawn and Rich’s friends grew to consider Joan as their mom, too.

Joan was a gracious and generous hostess. Never to be outdone, she prepared full meals and special desserts that made poker night at the Perry house a favorite for Dick's buddies.

Joan also loved her annual girls’ trips to Reno. Those trips were more about the journey than the destination and more about shopping for jewelry than playing the slot machines.

Joan was a welcoming and supportive neighbor and formed lasting friendships with those around her. The kindness and help from those neighbors and friends allowed her to remain in her home for the last four years of her life. She was thankful, and her family is so grateful.

Joan is survived by: her daughter, Dawn Berry, and her husband, Dean Berry; her son, Rich Perry, and his wife, Vahn Bounthong; her beloved granddaughter Olivia Perry and grandsons Blake Berry, Samad Bounthong, and Raheem Bounthong; her brother, Robert Holtz; her sisters-in-law, Kaz Perry and Mary Gunderson; as well as nieces, nephews, and many others who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Holly and Marie Holtz; her brother-in-law, Jack Perry; her loving husband Dick Perry; and her sister- and brother-in-law, Bobbe and Johnny Johnson.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, and a reception will follow at the Nile Country Club. All are welcome to attend.

“Drive carefully. You have precious cargo.”

In lieu of flowers, Joan's family requests donations be made to Mary's Place, marysplaceseattle.org.