Obituary

Joan Carter Long passed away peacefully Thursday, June 2nd at the age of 97. Joan was the sixth of seven children born to John and Ada (Richards) Carter in Anacortes, WA where she grew up and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1937.
Joan was married to Harold ‘Jake’ Long in 1939. They began their married life in Seattle, moving to Bellingham in 1950. Together they built a home in which they raised three daughters.
Joan spent many years as a homemaker enjoying gardening, canning, cooking, sewing, church activities and reading. Following Jake’s death in 1976, she took a medical transcription course at Bellingham Technical College and was employed at Whatcom Medical Bureau for 11 years.
Family was very important to Joan. Gathering together for birthdays, holidays and picnics kept the family closely bonded. She especially enjoyed welcoming the new babies and watching the generations grow up.
Love and interest in family led to many years of research and compilation of several books detailing family history. Joan belonged to the Whatcom Genealogical Society, the Mayflower Society and Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington – Whidbey Island #6. She joined Birchwood Presbyterian Church in 1951 and served the church in numerous capacities.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and all six of her siblings. She is survived by daughters Susan Gama, Nancy (Tom) Hoff and Sandi Long. Her grandchildren include Steven McNutt, Cheryl (Don) Kirkley, Kelli Kirkpatrick, Carter (Nikki) Hoff, Rachel Hoff, Sarah Strain, Jessica (Andrew) Burback and Emily Strain.
Joan’s eight great grandchildren are Elizabeth, Nicholas, Shelby, Hannah, Addison, Parker, Jake and Alexandra. Lily and Colt are Joan’s great-great grandchildren. Joan is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to acknowledge the caring staff and friends at Summit Place Assisted Living.
A graveside service was held and a Celebration of Life will be held July 9th at 1:00 PM at Birchwood Presbyterian Church, 400 Meadowbrook Court, Bellingham, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Birchwood Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity.