Joan Marie Pugh Thompson

Joan Marie Pugh Thompson, born May 27, 1934 in Everett, WA passed away peacefully in her home in Gig Harbor, WA on March 13, 2021.  She lived a remarkable and loved lifetime in the Pacific Northwest as a Medical Technician, wife, mother, Nana, board member and volunteer. 

Joan attended University of Washington where she graduated valedictorian with a BS as  Medical Technician.  She was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority.  Her post graduate work included researching and working on nutrition for the astronauts in Boeing’s Space Medical Research division.  She later taught Medical Technology work at the local community college. 

She married the love of her life, Donald H Thompson, 61 years ago and raised three sons in Manchester, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor.  She carried her first at least part of the time working part time at the 1962 World’s Fair at Seattle Center.

Joan always loved fun and adventure, skiing, waterskiing and boating, tennis, games, a cozy chat, a nice walk with a friend, and laughter.  Her love of skiing with her husband and family took her many times to Sun Valley, and led her to be an active part of the White Pass skiing community.

Her entire adult life, Joan was very active in many community boards and volunteerism including the Washington State Board of Education, Bellarmine Preparatory Board, Junior League, Catholic Women’s Club, L’Arche Tahoma Hope and Seabeck Family.  She is a 30+ year volunteer at St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s hospitals where she shared her positive energy through her work at the gift shop and delivering flowers to patients.

Joan is proceeded in death by her husband, Judge Donald H. Thompson, her parents, Dr. Stephen and Edna Pugh and her brother Dr. Stephen Pugh.  She is survived by her sons and daughter in laws, Steve and Gwen Thompson, Rex and Tami Thompson and Brad and Angie Thompson, 6 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. 

Joan will always be known to her family and friends for her relentless belief in the power of positive thoughts and love, strength, lightness of heart, undying love for her family and grace.  She will be missed but her memory cherished and love and energy felt forever.

A small celebration of her life mass will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Parish in Gig Harbor on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s honor could be made  Donate - L'Arche Tahoma Hope or Seabeck Conference Center or the Don and Joan Family Trust at Bellarmine Preparatory School, Tacoma WA. 

PLEASE CALL THE STAFF AT GAFFNEY FUNERAL HOME, (253) 572-6003 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS TO ATTEND CELEBRATION OF LIFE - DUE TO COVID THERE ARE LIMITATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT CAN BE IN ATTENDANCE

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