E. Joan Wright passed away October 19, 2010 after a long battle with cancer.

She was born September 14, 1933 in Clarkston, WA. to Rueben Sterling and Altha Miller.

One of 6 children, she grew up in the Arlington area and attended Bryant and Arlington schools, graduating in 1951.

She married her high school sweetheart, Dewey Wright, in San Antonio, Texas, on January 9, 1952 while he was in the Air Force. They returned to the Arlington area after his discharge where they raised 4 children.

She worked as a teacher’s aide in the Arlington School District, then decided to further her education. She graduated from Everett Community College in 1978 then enrolled in Western Washington University where she received her Master’s Degree in 1981 as a Speech Language Pathologist. She worked in the Arlington School District as a Speech Pathologist until she retired in 1995. Working with children was one of her greatest pleasures.

She enjoyed her family, flower gardens, photography and wood carving. Her pies were the best. She was a frequent traveler to Reno until her health prevented it and was well known at the “Angel of the Winds”.

Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980. She completed successful treatment but was diagnosed again in 2006.

She leaves her husband, Dewey Wright, sons, Scott Wright, Brad Wright and wife Lena, Brian Wright and her daughter Lori Fisher and her partner Andre Lenz. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Jessie Bryant, Kari Bass and husband Ben, Jill Papac, Megan Wright, Jennifer Wright, Shane Wright and wife Lisa, Todd Wright and wife Katie, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous step great-grandchildren. Also her sisters Jeanne Boss and husband Jon of Cincinnati, Ohio and Jodi Moe and husband Allen of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Duane, Vaughn and Daryl.

We would like to thank Dr. James Congdon and staff at Providence Regional Cancer Partnership for giving us 4 more years with her.

A celebration of her life will be held October 30 from 1-4 at the Loyal Heights Community Hall. Please bring a favorite memory to share.