Paula Joan Small, 77, a longtime Skagit County resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Mt. Baker Care Center in Bellingham.
She was born on June 18, 1937 in Clear Lake, WA, the daughter of Clyde Clair & Gladys Hanna. She was raised and attended grade school in Clear Lake and then attended and graduated from SWHS with the class of 1955.
On February 17, 1956 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Wayne Small in Clear Lake. They made their home in California and in several Washington State communities. Joan and Wayne shared 35 years of happiness together until Wayne passed away in Bremerton in 1990, and in 1992 Paula returned to Skagit County making her home in Sedro-Woolley and Burlington.
She enjoyed bowling, playing golf, traveling and being with her family. She was a member of the Clear Lake Community Covenant Church and of the Burlington Eagles.
Joan is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Kimberly & Dan Becker of Aiken, SC, Robin & Walt Jackson of Bellingham, Kelli & Michael Campbell of Frisco, TX and Darcy & J.D. Altizer of Vancouver, WA; 7 grandchildren, Melissa, Marty (Jeff), Erin (Casey), Adam (Carly), Katherine, Kristen and Taylor; 5 great-grandchildren, Kaysen, Sophie, Hanna, Jillian and Claire; 4 sisters, Lucille McDonald, Gertrude McKee and Donna Sabin all of Skagit County and Deanna King of Lynden and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Wayne she was also preceded in death by her parents; brother Aubrey Hanna and sisters, Constance Hanna and Doris McDonald.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 in memory of Joan.
A Life Celebration Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Community Covenant Church in Clear Lake. A time of visitation will be available on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 9am to 5pm at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Private inurnment will be at the Greenhills Memorial Cemetery in Burlington.
Dear Kim, just returned from vacation and was so sorry to hear about your mom. I will be thinking of you and your family and remembering you in my prayers for comfort and peace during this time. Your mom’s memories will always be special to you and I’m sure she was as special a person as you are. Love you, Pat
My dear friend Joann, 40 years ago I married Dee and on that day, our two families became one. What a ride it’s been for the past 40 years. We have shared so many happy memories and also some sad ones. Over the years I looked forward to our phone calls and sharing in whatever our”kids” and their families were currently up to. I treasure every minute of those 40 years and your family will always be a part of me. I miss you dearly, but I know you are once again taking care of Wayne and Dee. I love you so much….Marie
Kim: We have you and your family in our prayers and we are so very sorry for your loss. Love, Dale & Teresa
I met Joann when I first golfed at Overlook G.C. and she was without a doubt the sweetest and kindest person I have ever met. I was a real pleasure any time she was around. We were so lucky to have her as one of our own gals for so long. We/ I have missed her very much over the last couple of years when she was no longer able to golf with us. My condolences to all the family. Bless you all.
Kim: You and your family will surely be in our prayers as you face the loss of your mother. Mothers are such special people and we know how special she was to you. Love and prayers, Judy and Dean
We are so sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you and your family during this time.
Love, Donna and Rusty