Joanne Diane Nolan
May 01, 1947 - June 02, 2025
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Joanne Diane Nolan
May 01, 1947 - June 02, 2025
Obituary
Joanne Diane (Barr) Nolan, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2. She was born on May 1, 1947, in Bellingham, Washington, and grew up in Ferndale, Washington.
Joanne was a devoted homemaker who found joy in caring for her family and home. She married Merril Nolan on March 26, 1965, at the United Church in Ferndale, Washington, and together they built a life full of love and shared adventures. She loved working in her yard, doing ceramics in her earlier years, bowling, and traveling on the back of a motorcycle with Merril. She rarely missed a sporting event when her children or grandchildren were playing. Joanne had a deep love for animals and a special affection for the holidays, especially Christmas, which she made magical through her love of decorating and gathering family.
She was the heart of her family. Always putting others before herself, Joanne was known for her generosity, warmth, and the quiet strength she carried in every role she held.
She is survived by her sons Craig Nolan (Amy) and Darin Nolan (Kelly), grandchildren Chad Nolan (Megan), Austin Nolan, Kiana Nolan, Nick Nolan, Zach Nolan, and Gunner Nolan, and great-grandchildren CJ Nolan, Kourtney Nolan, Robert Nolan, Rocky Nolan, Maverick Nolan, and Gustav Foster.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Merril Nolan, her parents Cecil and Phyllis Barr, and her sister Jana Larson.
A private family memorial service will be held to honor Joanne’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Whatcom Hospice House, 2806 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
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Whatcom Hospice House
- Address: 2806 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://whatcomhospice.org/donate-online/
3 responses to Joanne Diane Nolan
Diane Knutson says:
June 18, 2025
What a naturally kind woman. I am so thankful she was my neighbor. She always had only nice things to say. She loved to decorate for every holiday. I will miss her sweetness.
Marlin and Stephanie says:
June 18, 2025
She was a wonderful person and the best aunt We love how much she enjoyed her family and have so many fond memories of her
Nancy & Ron Haugness says:
June 18, 2025
Growing up with Joanne in Ferndale, we had many fun times and adventures. The attached ‘garage’ to the Barr basement apartment was often the place to be on weekends with a record player & stack of 45’s to dance to. After she married, we would visit & play cards (first in their apartment & then the Seamount house). As the boys grew, we would often catch up with them at high school sports events.
Couple months ago I called her and we had a nice visit about the boys & grands. She loved all of you so much. She will be missed.