Obituary of JoAnne Vearle Brotherton Tobin

Surrounded by her loving family, JoAnne Tobin passed peacefully on March 13, 2024. Born March 2, 1930, in Everett, Washington, to Joseph Francis Brotherton and Vearle Stroud Brotherton, Mom grew up in West Seattle, attended Gatewood Elementary and Holy Rosary, then moved to Capitol Hill, where she went on to Holy Names Academy and the University of Washington. 

 

In the summer of 1950, she met her perfect match, Richard Eugene Tobin. They married on May 17, 1952, and raised eight children who honor their mother for her many sacrifices, loving heart, enduring Catholic faith, and generous nature. She was well known and well loved for her expertise in the kitchen, her green thumb, and for her devotion to family and to her many lifelong friendships. Her loving ways will long be celebrated. 

 

JoAnne worked as an elevator operator, dental assistant, and then managed the UW's Dept. of Family Medicine before retiring in 1989. As she raised her family, she opened her home to as many as 12 daycare children at a time. She enjoyed golf, hiking, gardening, and cooking for the masses. You never left her home hungry or empty-handed. 

 

In 1996, Mom and Dad built their dream home at Copalis Beach, where they spent their golden years welcoming family and friends from around the world. She is survived by her adoring children, Mark (Marie-France), Tim, Todd, Leanne Ferrante, Melinda Bouillon (Linc), Mary Meulblok (Dirk), Matt, Barbie White; 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; many caring nieces and nephews; and by her beloved sister-in-law, Joyce Baldwin. 

 

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard; newborn twin sons, Edward and Eugene; her beloved sister, Janet Capeloto, and her husband, Jack; daughter-in-law, Lynn; and grandson, Houston.

 

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:45 p.m. on May 17, 2024, at Saint Michael Parish, 1208 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501. A Life Celebration will be held the same day at 3 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey, WA 98503.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Names Academy at https://www.holynames-sea.org/giving/give-a-gift/.

 

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