Joanne was a classic adventure tale, an open book who made friends with everyone she encountered on every one of her journeys. Her jolly nature and child-like spirit lit up any room, inspiring the same unobstructed bliss to those around her. She proved that one can find accomplishment not only in business, but among the company of a beautiful circle of friends, with just love and kindness.
Joanne Beverley Elston, age 90, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024 in Sparks, Nevada. She was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She enjoyed a wonder-filled childhood centered around family, friends and the enjoyment of the outdoors. In her twenties, she headed to Hollywood, California where her exuberant personality got her a position on the set of My Three Sons. She soon met and married Bob Elston, an electrical engineer.
They quickly moved out of Southern California to the Pacific Northwest to raise their children in the close knit community of Vashon Island.
Joanne was a tough woman who wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She ran a trucking company for 30 years and participated in many community activities including the Vashon Business Association, the Quartermaster Yacht Club, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Northwest Woman Flyfishers and the Casting for Recovery program, where she organized retreats for breast cancer survivors in Washington and Idaho.
Joanne and Bob moved off the island after retirement to pursue their love of the outdoors together. Even on the off chance that they stayed in, Joanne’s hands were never idle. She was an avid quilter, who showed her boundless love to her family with quilts. When Bob passed in 2019, Joanne quickly moved to Sparks, Nevada to be closer to her children. She had five beautiful years of enjoying the everyday pleasures of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Her love for dogs flourished living with three pugs, all named Louie.
Joanne is survived by her son Brian and daughter Cheryl (Brandon), grandchildren Madison (Jason), Sarah (Doug) and Brody (Madeline) and great grandchildren Jackson and Savannah. Her contagious laughter brought smiles to all and is in every memory that we will cherish forever.
