Obituary for Joan Kiefner
Joan Douglas Kiefner, born in Seattle, Washington, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 12th. Joan had just finished a wonderful day with friends and family at her favorite place, Useless Bay on Whidbey Island. She was 69 years young and had been excitedly planning her big “70th birthday bash” this fall. Joan was the beloved widow of her husband, who had passed away years prior. She was the cherished mother of David Kiefner and Katie Knauss, and “Nonnie” to her three grandchildren Henry, Natalie and Robert (baby Bobby). Sister to Malcolm and Andrew Douglas.
Joan was raised in Bellevue, Washington where she attended Bellevue High School and was an avid student, member of the drill team, and traveled to visit family in Switzerland where she began her life-long interest in language and travel. She attended the University of Washington, where she majored in English (to be practical), though her true love was in the arts. From a young age, she was forever reading, learning, and wanting to explore new places. Joan’s formative years were shaped by the times, and was very much a child of the 60’s. She saw the Beatles live at Seattle Center in 1964 and attended anti-war protests on the campus of the UW. After jobs in advertising and retail, Joan met the love of her life, Bob Kiefner, on a blind date. Married on March 22, 1980, Joan and Bob initially settled in Ballard, near Bob’s dental practice. They later moved to Kenmore where Joan dedicated her life to raising their two children, David and Katie, and built lifelong friendships and lasting memories in the community.
We, her children, like to think that our mom is reunited with our dad Robert (Bob) Kiefner who passed away in 2008. She always felt that they had so many experiences and adventures still to take, and we hope they are finally getting to live their golden years together. We will miss her immensely and will think of her anytime we are near the beach and smell the salty air.
Joan had an unshakeable belief in the magic that art contributed to our world, and passionately shared her love of arts and culture with her children, grandchildren, and the wider community. She loved being an art docent at her childrens’ school, leading tours at the Seattle Japanese Garden, studying interior design, and volunteering with Junior League. She had a never-ending thirst to learn, as shown by her truly impressive book collection. Joan was a passionate person and politics and important causes remained close to her heart.
Joan had a certain presence when she walked in a room that caused everyone to take notice. She was full of energy and surprises. She loved people, and was always interested in what was happening in her friends’ lives, the friends of her friends, the friends of her kids… If you posted a picture on social media, chances are that Joan would “like” it in minutes. She was everyone’s biggest fan!
Joan always had a twinkle in her eye and a story up her sleeve. Any story from Joan was likely 60% factual, 30% exaggeration and 10% completely fabricated, but she loved to tell a good story and her audience never complained. Her embellishments were just a natural product of her enthusiasm.
A dedicated “Nonnie” to her three grandchildren, Joan loved to spoil them with gifts, sweets, and hugs. She just wanted everyone to be happy, and found joy in shamelessly indulging her grandchildren in the occasional delayed bedtime and extra cookie. In fact, she would always say that’s what grandmas are for - special moments and endless love. Her true love language was “gifts” and she never arrived empty handed. Even upon her passing, at the first visit to her home, we discovered a doll she had purchased for her granddaughter sitting by the front door that she was planning to bring over at her next visit.
In the last few years, Joanie also found love and companionship with fellow Whidbey resident, Bruce Bonnie, with whom they shared their passions for travel, architecture and art.
Relatives and Friends are kindly invited to attend an ‘open house’ gathering at daughter Katie’s home in Seattle on Sunday between 3-5pm for cheese & wine (our mom’s favorite). 1606 Boyer Ave E, Seattle 98112. In lieu of flowers, we ask that our local friends please remember her in her favorite experiences:
• A visit to the Seattle Japanese Garden, a beautiful place near and dear to her heart, and find a moment of calm to remember Joanie.
• Breathing in the fresh, salty air at your local beach, even in the rain.
• Or buying a ticket to support your local art museum or theater group.
Joan was raised in Bellevue, Washington where she attended Bellevue High School and was an avid student, member of the drill team, and traveled to visit family in Switzerland where she began her life-long interest in language and travel. She attended the University of Washington, where she majored in English (to be practical), though her true love was in the arts. From a young age, she was forever reading, learning, and wanting to explore new places. Joan’s formative years were shaped by the times, and was very much a child of the 60’s. She saw the Beatles live at Seattle Center in 1964 and attended anti-war protests on the campus of the UW. After jobs in advertising and retail, Joan met the love of her life, Bob Kiefner, on a blind date. Married on March 22, 1980, Joan and Bob initially settled in Ballard, near Bob’s dental practice. They later moved to Kenmore where Joan dedicated her life to raising their two children, David and Katie, and built lifelong friendships and lasting memories in the community.
We, her children, like to think that our mom is reunited with our dad Robert (Bob) Kiefner who passed away in 2008. She always felt that they had so many experiences and adventures still to take, and we hope they are finally getting to live their golden years together. We will miss her immensely and will think of her anytime we are near the beach and smell the salty air.
Joan had an unshakeable belief in the magic that art contributed to our world, and passionately shared her love of arts and culture with her children, grandchildren, and the wider community. She loved being an art docent at her childrens’ school, leading tours at the Seattle Japanese Garden, studying interior design, and volunteering with Junior League. She had a never-ending thirst to learn, as shown by her truly impressive book collection. Joan was a passionate person and politics and important causes remained close to her heart.
Joan had a certain presence when she walked in a room that caused everyone to take notice. She was full of energy and surprises. She loved people, and was always interested in what was happening in her friends’ lives, the friends of her friends, the friends of her kids… If you posted a picture on social media, chances are that Joan would “like” it in minutes. She was everyone’s biggest fan!
Joan always had a twinkle in her eye and a story up her sleeve. Any story from Joan was likely 60% factual, 30% exaggeration and 10% completely fabricated, but she loved to tell a good story and her audience never complained. Her embellishments were just a natural product of her enthusiasm.
A dedicated “Nonnie” to her three grandchildren, Joan loved to spoil them with gifts, sweets, and hugs. She just wanted everyone to be happy, and found joy in shamelessly indulging her grandchildren in the occasional delayed bedtime and extra cookie. In fact, she would always say that’s what grandmas are for - special moments and endless love. Her true love language was “gifts” and she never arrived empty handed. Even upon her passing, at the first visit to her home, we discovered a doll she had purchased for her granddaughter sitting by the front door that she was planning to bring over at her next visit.
In the last few years, Joanie also found love and companionship with fellow Whidbey resident, Bruce Bonnie, with whom they shared their passions for travel, architecture and art.
Relatives and Friends are kindly invited to attend an ‘open house’ gathering at daughter Katie’s home in Seattle on Sunday between 3-5pm for cheese & wine (our mom’s favorite). 1606 Boyer Ave E, Seattle 98112. In lieu of flowers, we ask that our local friends please remember her in her favorite experiences:
• A visit to the Seattle Japanese Garden, a beautiful place near and dear to her heart, and find a moment of calm to remember Joanie.
• Breathing in the fresh, salty air at your local beach, even in the rain.
• Or buying a ticket to support your local art museum or theater group.