JoAnn Kirkpatrick

JoAnn was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Harvey Shepherd and Anna Clavier Shepherd. She had one younger brother, Bob. She attended high school in Worland Wyoming, where she participated in many activities: class president, honor student, baton squad leader, and homecoming queen. This was where she met her husband, Bob Kirkpatrick.

She went to UCLA for one year, and married Bob in Worland in 1944. While Bob was in the Navy, they lived in several different seaports, primarily on the East Coast. After the end of World War II, they moved to Seattle and began living in West Seattle in 1953 where they raised five children, Brian, DeeAnn, Gary, Coreen and Tara. She was a devoted and loving mother who was always very proud of all of her children.

In 1968, she returned to work as a secretary in the Seattle Public Schools, working at Muir, High Point, and Lafayette Elementary schools until 1985. She was always a great support to the school staff as well as the students and their parents. During this time, her husband Bob passed way.

At age 60, JoAnn retired and became more involved in a whirlwind of activities; Tandem Club, golfing, traveling, and dance club. She enjoyed the numerous opportunities to contribute her time and energy to the church. This was also when she met George Herrin who became her long time, loving companion. Some of their favorite travel destinations were Switzerland, Spain, Greece, Panama Canal, and Holland. They also traveled and participated in Elderhostel programs and dance performances. With dear friends they enjoyed playing many hands of bridge, attending plays, baseball games, and Pops Concerts.

JoAnn was an inspiration to all that met her. She was unconditionally loving and patient to all, recognizing and bringing out the best in people. Though surrounded by a large group of longtime friends, she never stopped making new friends. Her faith was steadfast, giving her great serenity during times of challenge. She led by example, showing great strength in the face of adversity, focusing on the positive, and always looking forward to new and exciting adventures. She felt that one of her greatest accomplishments was raising her five loving and independent children.

After fighting a brave battle with lung cancer for one and a half years, she passed away on October 9, 2002. She was 77 years old. JoAnn is survived by her five children: Brian Kirkpatrick, DeeAnn Kirkpatrick and husband Steve Ralph, Gary Kirkpatrick, Coreen Ford and husband Rich Ford and Tara Cramer, her brother Bob Shepherd and wife Judy Shepherd, sister-in-law Marian Heilbrun and husband Dr. Al Heilbrun, and six grandchildren: Kelley, Karie, and Dean Kirkpatrick, Kelsey Cramer, and Kevin and Erin Ford. She joins her daughter-in-law Phyllis Kirkpatrick and granddaughter Lindsey Cramer in heaven.

A memorial service will be held at Fauntleroy Church at 1:00 PM on Tuesday October 15, with a reception following at the Hall at Fauntleroy. Remembrances can be made to Fauntleroy Church or Fauntleroy YMCA at 9260 California Ave. SW, Seattle Washington, 98136.