Joan Marie Berndtson

Our beloved Joan Marie (Reynosa) Berndtson passed away peacefully, at home surrounded by loved ones, of Alzheimer's complications on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. She was born at home on Feb. 14, 1936, in Berkley, Calif., to Alfonso and Helen Reynosa.

Interment will be at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Wash.

She married a Navy submariner, Everett L. Berndtson, on Dec. 20, 1952. They shared nearly 55 years of marriage, the first 26 years, active-duty Navy. They were stationed at several sites in California, Groton, Conn., Hawaii, and Bemerton, Wash. She was always proud of serving the duties as wife of the submarine COB, Chief of the Boat. Her wittiness and ability to get along with all kinds of personalities allowed her to develop quick and lasting friendships.

She was an Avon Lady, a Cub Scout Leader, and a Job's Daughter. She worked at Colorflo, an acrylic manufacturer, as the office manager. Later in life, she volunteered at a senior-center boutique, was the librarian of her senior-living village, and was a member of the National Garden Club, the Queens of Spades chapter in Washington state.

Reading and travel were her passions. Her last big trip was to Russia when she was 75. Shopping and having her nails done were her pastimes. She loved watching television, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Blue Bloods, Murder She Wrote, and Law and Order were some of her favorites.

In retirement, she and Everett belonged to the Good Sam's Club and traveled in their 5th-wheel trailer for over 10 years, while maintaining a home in St. Marie, Mont. She loved living with her daughter and son-in-law the last years of her life, in Ellensburg, Wash.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everett; her son, Paul; grandson Scott Green; and her sweet dog, Mindy.

She is survived by her son, David (Wanda) and daughter, Deborah (Steve) Green; daughter-in-law Kathy; and her sister, Paula (Manny) Stec. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Kerry Green, Brandon (Jen) Berndtson, Dawn (Mark) Leaf, Danielle Berndtson, Denise Berndtson, and Moira (Joey) Davin. She had numerous great-grandchildren and extended family members who adored her.

As she would always say in parting, "Tootles."