Joan Lora Cummings, 88, a Sedro-Woolley resident for the past 67 years, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, surrounded by her family.

Joan was born on October 8, 1927 in Burlington, WA, the daughter of Hurndon & Ester (Preston) Meese, and was raised and attended school in the Saxon area.

As a teenager she worked as a nurse’s aide at Memorial Hospital in Sedro-Woolley and upon graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1945 she entered the nurses training program at General Hospital in Everett, graduating in 1948, after which she worked as a surgical nurse at Memorial Hospital.

In 1948 she was united in marriage to Clarence ‘Pinky’ Cummings in Sedro-Woolley where they have since made their home.  While raising her family she worked as a Nursing Supervisor at United General Hospital, retiring in 1989 after 30 years of service.

Joan enjoyed her family, her home, her friends, going RVing, gardening and fishing.   She was a member of the Trinity United Presbyterian Church where she served on the Board of Deacons & as an Elder and sang in the choir.  She was also a member of the Washington State Nurses Association.  Joan also found time to volunteer at United General Hospital after she retired.

Joan is survived by her husband, Pinky of Sedro-Woolley; son, Jerry Cummings and his longtime companion Judy Gates of Sedro-Woolley; daughter, Vicky Yarcho and husband Bill of Big Lake: two grandchildren and their spouses, Wendy & Chris Belanger and Aaron & Janet Yarcho; 2 great-grandchildren, Noelle & Bodee Belanger; a special niece, Connie Hall and several other nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jean Vandelac.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at United General Hospital and Whatcom Hospice for all their loving care.

Funeral Services for Joan will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00am at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church on Collins Road in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Wendy Tingley officiating.  Interment will follow at the Green Hills Cemetery in Burlington. Memorials are suggested to Trinity United Presbyterian Church.  Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.