Thursday, April 18, 2024
Joan Loree (Stensen) Hoover died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, in Edmonds in May 2022 at age 94.
Joan was predeceased by her husband of almost 70 years, Bernie; her son, Bradford (Kathy) of Sacramento, California, and her siblings, Byron Stensen and Louise Fry. She is survived by three of her four children: Michelle (John) Drain, Tamara (Mark) Sutton, and Todd (Carla) Hoover, all residing in Edmonds; and grandchildren Ben, Katie (Scott), Terra (Zach), Laura (Sterling), and Natalie; and great-grandchildren Roran, Corbin, Callan, Aria, and Soren.
Joan was born in Everett to parents Jennie (Rude) of Oslo and Louis Stensen of Bergen. Both were born in Norway, but met in Everett. She joined a sister, Louise, age 10, and brother Byron, 7½ .
She was a voracious reader and loved books, school, and learning. If there were no such thing as a librarian, Joan would have invented one. As soon as she could write, she began creating diaries, journals, and lists, organizing all of the information in her life.
After graduating from Everett Junior College in 1947, she continued her education (enjoying parties, dances, and sports) at Washington State College in Pullman, majoring in foreign languages. While obtaining her degree from the University of Washington Library School, friends introduced her to her future husband, Bernie, who was studying at the UW School of Pharmacy.
Bernie and Joan bought their first view house, in Ballard, and added four children to the family. When they purchased Maughan/Queen Anne Pharmacy, they moved to Queen Anne and became active members of Queen Anne Lutheran Church.
They owned the store from 1962 to 1989. They also built a cabin on Lake Tapps for family getaways. On Queen Anne, they moved twice to inch closer to stunning views of Lake Union and the Cascades.
In 1994 they moved to Edmonds, with a panoramic view of Puget Sound and the Olympics. Later they resided at Cristwood, Sunrise of Edmonds, and finally at home with granddaughter Terra and Zach.
Joan knew the joy of having a beloved mother and of being one. She created a home full of love, fun, books, and the scent of baked goods. Devoted to her family, she nurtured the individuality in each of her children.
Known as a solicitous hostess and excellent baker, she just knew that you needed more to eat, no matter what you said. And her recipes were legendary. The closing comment at many family picnics was, "Joan, I simply must have that recipe." Joan also had the recipe for a compassionate, fun, fulfilling life.
Particularly after retirement, there were numerous interesting trips across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, New Zealand, and more. Some self-guided, some tours, including over 20 cruises.
Bernie took scores of photos and slides, and Joan narrated priceless travelogues to go with them. She was a friendly and curious traveler and relished trying new things.
View and share photos and memories at memories at lifeweb360.com/joan-loree-stensen-hoover.
