Joan I. Paulsen Obituary | Obituary - Seattle WA Cremations and Funerals

Joan Isabel Paulsen (nee Walter) was born August 28,1920 in Coulsdon, England to her parents Isabel & Norman Walter. Joan peacefully passed away at 7:14pm on Jun 25th, 2015. Joan is survived by her three daughters, Dianne, Norma, Kim and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Sven, her sister Daphne and granddaughter Paige.

Joan was raised in Purley, Surrey. As a young woman she had three passions in life, dancing (music), clothes and high heel shoes. She loved to go to the pictures (movies) and hanging out with her cousins.
It was World War 2 and with the British apprentice system Joan became a skilled Tailor and Accountant. It was during the war Joan met and married a Canadian Army officer, A.J. and became a war bride.

in May of 1945 Joan and Dianne (age3) boarded the Queen Mary and set sail for Canada. She said as the ship sailed away from England, there were enough tears to sink the ship. The weather was beautiful and Joan remembered someone shouting "Land" after five days at sea, she never forgot the sight of that green grass as Canada loomed on the Horizon. Joan and A.J. resided on many of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia and that is where Norma was born on Salt Spring Island.

In the late 50's, Joan was divorced and met and married Sven, her husband of 54 years. They settled in the Greater Vancouver Area in B.C. before immigrating to California in January of 1963. In 1965 they moved permanently to the Pacific Northwest living in Auburn, Milton, Edgewood, Redondo, Federal Way & Kent. They worked very hard to create a comfortable life together and enjoyed many years of traveling in numerous RV's. They eventually spent most winters in Mesa, Arizona and summers in Belmore Park in Federal Way. Living close to Kim they spent many hours at Crest Air Park enjoying the sound of airplanes and both going for a ride or two.

Joan was an elegant lady who never forgot her upbringing and love of England. Writing poetry, listening to music and playing the organ were three of her passions along with her dog 'Jill' and cat 'Harold', children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Loving and missing her greatly............May her memory live on..............As she would say "Cheers".

Russ & Alma on Aug 4, 2015

Thank you for sending Joan's obituary as we enjoyed reading the history
of her life and family,

She was truly one of the finest ladies we've ever met and also we loved
your father, Sven. My what a lovely couple and to think we were lucky
enough to live near them and share their friendship. We often talk about
the good times we had when we were invited to their birthday parties
when you and Jeff and Chelsea celebrated with them on their deck across
the green and fairway on hole number six. Both of them were so kind and.
helpful and generous how could we not enjoy their company?
Love, Russ and Alma

Heidi Spitzli on Jul 31, 2015

I loved spending time at your house in Edgewood. Your mom had the most amazing smile, and she made the best strawberry freezer jam! I think I consumed gallons of it during our senior year after football games. I loved how we had to rake the rug behind us when we left...I remember once your mom was sooo upset that she had asked us to buy her some rubber gloves at the store and then begged us not to because it was a bad omen to give someone gloves...She was a very gracious lady and she will be missed. All of you our in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. god Bless you all. Heidi

Bill Solar on Jul 29, 2015

Joan and Sven lived across the golf green from my sister, Alma and husband Russ, and whenever I visited we always spent time with them. I recall the pleasant evenings on their terrace sometimes with other relatives and friends, and music and singing. We miss them greatly. Bill

Marijane Axtell Paulsen on Jul 29, 2015

Candle Joan was a remarkable woman, and I was honored to be her sister in law. She had such a warm smile, a quick wit, and a wonderful laugh. Always the gracious hostess, she made visits from Paul and I memorable. And our last family gathering brought brothers Sven, Paul, and Hans together for the first time in decades. What a wonderful family to be part of. Joan, I will always remember you, and treasure the time we spent together. Marijane

Norma Brunet on Jul 29, 2015

Candle Dear mum,
What wonderful memories I have and will cherish. All the laughs
We had with the horses. I miss calling you and hearing you laugh
About my adventures with Brock. I miss telling you about the grandkids. I play songs that you loved and find myself humming them, which makes me feel your with me. The last three days we spent together with Kim and Dianne are such wonderful memories. Miss you so much. You are always in my heart. Love
Never dies. With love, "cheers".... Love, Norma xxxxxxxxxxxx

Dianne Ackerman on Jul 26, 2015

Candle Will always remember the last three days with us three girls spending time with Mom singing, laughing, telling stores and her saying every day "this is the best day of my life"........bless her having such a wonderful attitude, grace and sense of humour. Love you Mom xoxoox Dianne (ps born on the same day as Mom - August 28th).

Cascade Memorial on Jul 25, 2015

This picture brings peace......

Cascade Memorial on Jul 25, 2015

Kim on Jul 25, 2015

Candle Dear Mom,
Thank you for being the best mom a daughter could ever ask for. I will remember you for your loving smile, the wonderful talks, always being there when I needed you and always making me feel good. You were always ready to help around our house in the garden or inside. I loved cheering with you over a Guiness or your favorite glass of wine "White Port". Your love for music and the Lord will be in my heart for ever. I will miss you for the rest of my life. I cherish all the wonderful memories of our special times together. I know you are at peace now along side dad. Thank you for your good bye notes to the three of us. Like the beautiful picture of the Lord said " Safely Home". I LOVE YOU MOM, Kim