Joan Christine Armitage

Joan Christine Sakrison was born in Seattle to Hattie (ne’e Hedvig Warner) Sakrison and George Sakrison. She grew up in West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1961. She attended the University of Washington and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1965. After receiving her teaching certificate Joan began a long and distinguished career in the Seattle School district, beginning as a teacher at Schmitz Park Elementary School in West Seattle and retiring from there as Principal in 1998. In the intervening years, she could be found leading schools into new territory, from the pilot TAG school in Seattle in 1972 to one of the first schools to accept children with disabilities in 1978. Along the way, she received her certification for superintendent of schools. Joan received her Master’s Degree from Washington State University, and pursued doctoral studies there, as well. After retirement, Joan was an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University from 1998 to 2005. She also received her real estate license, but never practiced.

In 1963 Joan married Ian Armitage. Joan was deeply proud of her Swedish heritage. Her father had been an immigrant from Sweden and her mother was a first generation Swede, born in Seattle. Joan visited her relatives in Sweden several times, as well as hosted her family on the frequent trips they made to the United States. Joan was most happy at her family’s cabin on Hood Canal, where she spent many summers and holiday weekends with extended family and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie and George, brother Rodney and daughter Kathlena. She is survived by her children Joe (Teenie), Jason, Christina Dawn Castillo (Richard); grandsons Nic, Erik, Callen, Connor, and granddaughter Ariel; sister-in-law Anne Sakrison; nieces Angela Sakrison and Carissa Sparks; nephews John Sparks (Rhegan) and Joel Sparks (Amanda); cousins Dick McDonald, Kathleen McDonald, Ann Banks and Stephanie Hull, and many friends.

Services will be at Evergreen Washelli on Sunday, February 20 Noon-1pm. A reception follows at 2pm at the Swedish Club. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Swedish Club of Seattle, National Nordic Museum, or an organization of your choice.