Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Helen Pleas Memorial
Helen Pleas Memorial

Helen Pleas

Helen Pleas

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023

Helen Joan Pleas, 92, of Sedro Woolley, Washington passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the Whatcom Hospice House on February 22, 2023.

Joan was born on November 28, 1930, to Stancil Joe Brown and Helen Borger Brown in Dodge City, Kansas.  At five years old, her family moved west for a better opportunity and settled in Alger, WA among other family and friends.  She became a big sister three years later.  Her parents and grandparents overcame many hardships to fashion a lovely homestead with a large garden and farm animals.  She often described the property of beautiful wildflowers, “like a paradise”.  Mom was proud of her gardening ideas incorporating many varieties of flowers and edibles.  She maintained one her entire life.  She passed on her love and knowledge of nature in all its forms to her children and was a wonderful steward of our Earth.

Mother was a lifelong learner and a force to be reckoned with.

Mother loved music and dancing.  In order to take piano lessons as a teenager, she saved her “milk money” and rode her horse to lessons while she paid for her player piano over time.  We are very fortunate to play that special instrument to this day.

She graduated from Burlington Edison High School in 1948.  She married Roy Perry and began her family of three daughters and one son.

Joan skated competitively at Burlington Roller Frolic several seasons.  We loved watching her in those beautiful costumes.

She was a certified Lifeguard at Clear Lake when her children were young.  She pitched on a recreational women’s softball team and joined a local bowling league.  Jack Lalaine was a regular event at our house; she participated in several fitness programs.  She was a fashion model for her favorite boutique in Burlington, Vales.  She learned to snow ski in her 40’s and we have many special memories of those ski trips.  She line danced into her 80’s with a local group and during her Winters in California; she danced nearly every day!  Her talents  and interests enriched our lives by her example.

She supported her children in the Girls and Boy Scout programs, Luther League, Boys Little League of Sedro-Woolley.

Mother was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for over 70 years where she held several leadership positions.

Later she and Rupert Pleas, Jr. were married until his death.  They enjoyed many boating adventures together.

When she was working at Burlington Cascade Foods and then Skagit Farmers Supply, she became a Soroptimist International Burlington Chapter member.  There she made many good friends and was a valued volunteer.

Mom was our personal Mary Kay Consultant and enjoyed many parties and a convention.

She retired from Skagit Farmers as an administrative assistant.

Joan is survived by her children, Lynn Perry Faherty, Terrie Perry Aven, Nancy Perry, and Michael Perry; four grandchildren, Sarah, Patrick, Tessa and Joshua; two great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rupert Pleas, Jr, and her brother, Robert Brown.

We deeply miss her wit, common sense wisdom and her bright smile.  What a life story of an amazing woman, mom and wife.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Soroptimist International of Burlington and Whatcom Hospice House.

A Memorial service announcement will be made at a later date.

Please share memories of Joan and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Susan Kutchick

    One of the best ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure of being friends with. I miss her dearly and will always treasure the friendship and memories!

  • Dee Agen Thorsen

    To Joan’s family,
    Joan was office manager for my husband, Jim Agen at cascade frozen foods for many years. She was efficient, kind, wise, quiet, an amazing person who could always be counted on. I am sure she will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
    My sincere sympathy to you all. May your loving memories carry you through your grieving process.
    Dee Agen Thorsen

  • All of us at Creekside

    Joan was such an interesting and bright light in our community! We wish we could have known you better Joan, you are missed!