Joanne Staiger Holbrook

"Riel", passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at her residence on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born on January 30, 1926 and was 89 years of age.To friends and family: A memorial will be held at Chris and Holly Jacobsen's family Home on Bainbridge Island, Sunday July 12th from 2:00 in the afternoon into the evening. Her favorite band the Country Lips will be playing. Dance-food-Merriment as she would have wanted.A Baseball fan, born and raised outside Chicago, some of her favorite memories were attending home games with her father. Her hero was Ted Williams. She became a true Blue Mariners fan. The last game she attended was between her two teams when the White Sox's Pitcher pitched a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners.In her early years, she was a camp counselor, opening a door to diversity of people and igniting a passion for her adventures in life. She attended Carlton College and spent summers working at various places such as Lake Crescent, and Spirit Lake Lodge with Harry Truman.She met her husband, Donald Holbrook in the Seattle area. In the beginning of their courtship, she and Don attended Art Linkletter's live radio broadcast in Seattle. When Art Linkletter requested a volunteer to go out on the street of Seattle posing As a new Bride looking for "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" from passers by, she volunteered. That was the moment she knew Don would ask her to marry him.After their first son, Blair, was born in Seattle, they returned to Hinsdale, Illinois, so Don could work at the Lord Lumber Company. Holly was born there. Joanne decided Illinois life was not for her, so she convinced Don to take the family West� "California here we come"�where Don attended Stanford for a business degree. Bruce was born, and the family lived the Southern California, beach-front life, at Newport Beach, eventually moving North to Berkeley. They Built a vacation home, a log cabin "the Beach Cottage" on Stinson Beach and the family had some of their best times together there.In Berkeley era 1960's she joined the League of Women Voters, and this opened a whole new world and passion for her that remained her entire life. She became a democrat. The family was at the first West Coast Peace March that ended in Golden Gate Park. She also took her children to protest the Napalm bombs in Port Chicago that were en route by truck to load planes headed to Vietnam. As she became more liberal, and Don simultaneously became more conservative; he joined the young Republicans. After 13 years of marriage they divorced and she moved the family to Danville, California.Danville life didn't suit her much, but it was a good safe place to raise her children. She opened a plant store�The Open Gate�for something to do. She eventually was inspired by some interesting people to move to the Seattle area as soon as her children were grown. She worked in a down town Bond Office, became a partner in the ownership of a 40' fiberglass sail boat, The Boundless. Baseball, football and sailing were her passions during those years.She moved to Bainbridge Island where she purchased a historic house, worked and gardened (she was a Master Gardener) while she cared for her mother after she had suffered a stroke. Then, she traveled the west coast in a truck with a camper, sometimes taking her grandchildren with her.Another adventure called to her. At age 60, she heard God say to her: "well Joanne you really blew it. You could have lived a simple life". So she packed up and moved to Whidbey island where she would purchase 5 acres and live off the grid.She had started making pottery on Bainbridge and continued this passion on Whidbey Island, selling her earthen wares at the farmers market. She made great friends on Whidbey. She stood for Peace thru 911 and until she could stand no more. Her family lovingly forced her off the property at age 85. In her love for them she conceded and would live the last four years of her life on Bainbridge. She walked as long and as far as she could everyday up until the day she died at age 89.Throughout, her later years she remained an involved grandmother, avid reader. She is missed by her family and friends.In her own hand written obituary she says...This is My obituary:Sweet all of you. I love youBeliever of the Tao, Faithful of the earth and Believer of peace. Lived joyously.Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching (a new English version by Ursula K. Le Guin)Dim Brightness Heaven Will last, earth will endure. How can they last so long?They don't exist for themselves and so can go on and on.So wise souls leaving self behind move forward, and setting self aside stay centered. Why let go of self? To keep what the soul needs.To Yes magazine or/and Childcare Worldwide.Blow ashes top of hill Whidbey Island- RielDance if you wishMemorial will be held at Chris and Holly Jacobsen's family Home on Bainbridge Island, Sunday July 12th from 2:00 in the afternoon into the evening. Her favorite band the Country Lips will be playing. Dance-food-Merriment as she would have wanted.