Joanne Lorraine Rodgers

December 4, 1929 - March 21, 2011

The daughter of Norwegian immigrants, she grew up on a farm in Milltown, Washington before moving to Everett, Washington at the age of 12. After graduating from Everett High School, she was a legal secretary employed by Snohomish County DA where she was known for her shorthand skills. On August 4, 1951 she married the love of her life, Robert J. Rodgers, a member of the US Air Force and accompanied him on many assignments, residing in Tacoma, Portland, Charleston, South Carolina, St. John, Newfoundland and finally settling in Salem while raising three daughters. She was an excellent seamstress and kept her daughters in the height of fashion and continued sewing for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening and loved flowers. An active member of Faith Lutheran Church, Joanne taught Sunday and Bible School, volunteered on other committees and served as wedding coordinator. She also volunteered at Cummings Elementary School as well as for the Marion County Elections Committee. Joanne is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Bob; her daughters, Linda Rodgers, Salem, Jan Rodgers, Tigard, Susan McDowell and son-in-law Rod McDowell, Forest Grove; sister, Sharon Gresli and her husband Tom, Camano Island, WA; grandchildren, Kari and Kayleen McDowell, Kelsey Crowell, Jessica Price, Alisa and Joanna Rodgers-Taylor; and great-grandson, Harper Crowell. She was preceded in death by father, Peter Furan; mother, "Mary" Anne Marie (Paulson) Furan; and brother, Alan Furan. She had an exceptional relationship with every member of her family as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who quietly created many cherished family memories. She will be deeply missed. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Marion-Polk Food Share.