Joann Alice Lamping Collins

Joann Alice Lamping Collins died at her memory care home, Blueberry Gardens, after 7 years of care there – at 101 years old. She was born to Evart and Mary Thompson Lamping and raised on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, at 211 W. Prospect St. She was the youngest of her siblings; Conrad, Janis (Mitchell) and Evart Jr. The Lamping Elders had pioneered west from Indiana to Yakima in 1888. Her Grandfather Samuel W. Lamping was sent by the US Govt, as a Special Agent to oversee land and timber fraud. Along with his wife, Mary E. Butler they raised 5 children in Seattle which included Joann’s father, Evart.

Joann graduated from Queen Anne High School and while attending the Univ. of Washington, she worked at Lamping and Co. Insurance, as a bookkeeper. Later she was a window dresser at I-Magnin and then a bookkeeper at Brace Lumber Co., when married to William “Bill” Brace. Joann had strong perseverance and a keen business sense and began her Real Estate investing. Later in her mid-life, she worked with her 3 sons building and continuing her businesses.

She had many fine qualities; she was a wonderful cook, could arrange a flower bouquet to perfection and make the holidays extra special for her family. She played tennis until her 80th year and traveled to the US Opens and British Opens with her tennis lady friends. She delighted in most sports and especially attending Sonic Basketball games. She traveled abroad, took cruises and loved adventure and nature. As a grandmother she took her two young grandsons to the Olympic Mountains for hiking and a lodge stayover. She enjoyed spending time with her three granddaughters sharing in sports, shopping and more.

She is survived by her 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and by two sons; John (Marta) Brace and Sam (Kasey) Brace. Her 3rd son, David Barros sadly passed of cancer Oct. 3, 2015.

Lovingly known, as “Auntie Jo”, she leaves behind many Lamping nieces and nephews and their families, who remember Joann’s 80th birthday party, cruising aboard “The Champagne Lady”. A keepsake memory and more good times followed. May she rest in peace beside those she loved and know that she was loved by many.

A special Thank YOU, to the wonderful Blueberry Gardens care givers.

Interment will be at Evergreen Washelli, Seattle. Contribute to Evergreen Washelli for online sentiments remembering Joann.