Joanna Dawn Paul was born in Richland, Washington on August 16th, 1946, to Joseph Holt and Martha Hooker Holt.
According to her family, she never arrived on time for another event over the next 76 years. Joanna spent much of her childhood living with her beloved “Mema” Viola Hooker (with whom she shared her middle name) and her “Popsey” Munsey Hooker (with whom she shared a love for Coca Cola in small glass bottles).
Joanna graduated in 1964 from Columbia High in Richland. Soon after graduating she moved to Seattle where she met her husband Dean Paul. They were married 3 months later.
In 1968, Joana and Dean welcomed their first child (David) and their daughter (Deana) in 1970. Te family lived in Burien until 1978 when they moved to Ravensdale to build Joanna’s dream home.
Joanna adored animals and adopted, rescued or kidnapped dozens of animals in need, including sheep, ducks, guinea hens, rabbits and horses to keep a menagerie of cats and dogs company. While working as a teaching aide in the Special Education department of Tahoma High School, she often brought her orphaned babies to school in a playpen to monitor and feed them. Te classes loved the critters and she loved the flexibility of being able to continue her side gig of “Animal Kingdom Joanna Edition
Joanna worked for the post office, Tahoma High School and in 1983 opened a photo lab in Auburn. Less than a year later, she moved her business to Enumclaw where Joanna’s Quick Photo was a staple on Cole Street for 20 years. She was an avid reader and served as President of the Friends of the Black Diamond Library.
Joanna passed on January 16, 2023 after living with cancer for years. She is survived by her husband Dean Paul of Kent, their son, Dave Paul (Rachel) of Oak Harbor, daughter Deana Ross (Scott) of Marysville, and 5 grandchildren.
Her love, laughter and compassion will be sorely missed by us all.
A private celebration of life for friends and family will be held August 16, 2023. For details please contact: tributeforjoanna@outlook.com
In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to your local animal rescue organization.
