Joan Louise Canfield

Joan Louise Canfield was born on January 23, 1933, in Fairfax, Washington. Her family later moved to Buckley where she grew up with her two sisters. She met Vern Canfield in 1953 and was married in September of 1954. They had three children, Cliff, Cheri, and Cindy.

In the early years, the family resided in the Tacoma area where she worked full-time at Mallon Motors. Being a working mother and wife, she always found a way to spend quality time with the kids. She was the foundation of our household. Years of weekend trips to the family property entailed weekday prep for food, packing for the children, loading the station wagon, and rounding up the kids. By Friday at 6 pm we were ready to go. The process was repeated Sunday afternoons for the return trip home.

Her retreat from the everyday grind was gardening, and her work was admired by many.

The family moved to Bainbridge Island in 1973, where she worked for American Marine Bank. Raising three teenagers, her home was always open to our friends where she served as surrogate mom to many. Late-night servings of warm cookies served on a platter were the norm. They were members of Wing Point Golf and Country Club for over 30 years where she enjoyed golfing in the ladies’ league and family lunches or dinners at the club. She and Vern had a passion for travel, and they visited many states, countries, and continents. For many years they would winter in Mexico where they loved the culture and natural beauty. She had an optimistic outlook on life and her phrase was repeated many times “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” She was a treasure and will be missed.

Joan was predeceased by her parents Edwin and Anne, sisters Shirley and Nadine, and husband Vern. She is survived by her three children as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life reception will be held at her Bainbridge Island home on August 6, 2022, between 2 pm-5 pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.