Joanne Frances Martin Harrell
April 15, 1929 - August 20, 2016
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Joanne Frances Martin Harrell
April 15, 1929 - August 20, 2016
Obituary
Joanne F. Harrell passed away peacefully on August 20, 2016 under the gentle and expert care of the nursing and medical staff on the Four South Medical Unit at St. Joseph Peace Health Medical Center.
Born in Port Townsend, WA, she moved often as a child and early teen so as to take advantage of expert violin teachers. Joanne became an accomplished violinist. She played in major symphony orchestras around the country and as a teenager in the 1940’s toured with the Tommy Dorsey Band. She was an extra in the 1942 movie “Humoresque” with Joan Crawford and John Garfield. From 1990-2004 she was concert master of the Whatcom Symphony Chamber Orchestra and associate concert master of the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra. In 1998 she was a soloist with the WSO playing “Lark Ascending”. Even in retirement she continued to play with local quartets and at various music events around Bellingham. Her playing and presence was an inspiration to all who knew her and who heard her play.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles Harrell and son Claude.
She is survived by daughter Linda Sigel and son-in-law Ming Kwong and granddaughter Lian Sigel-Kwong and close friend and companion of 20 years Jane E. Kletka.
Friends in the Bellingham music community can keep her memory alive each time they play. Her gentle, loving spirit and stunning musicality will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We love you, Joanne.
No services will be held per her request. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra in her memory.
2 responses to Joanne Frances Martin Harrell
Mary Lynn Palmer says:
August 20, 2016
Dear Linda and family and Jane,,I first met Joanne and Charles through the Adult Day Health program in Bellingham. I grew to love them both very much and am so thankful to have known them. Joanne volunteered her amazing talent at the ADH program on many occasions, Her quartet also played at a fund raiser for the Adult Day Health program…a magical evening that none of us will forget. Joanne played at our daughter’s wedding which was so very special. Another fond memory is Joanne helping our two children choose violins to buy over 30 years ago and they continue to appreciate their violins and memories of Joanne.
I remember meeting you Linda when you came to ADH. And I loved hearing about your daughter. Your mom was so very proud of her family.
I am sorry I had not seen your mother recently and was so saddened to read of her passing.
Jane, I know you were such an important part of Joanne’s life and I know this is a very hard time for you also.
I would like to attend a Celebration of Life when you schedule that in the future.
With love and prayers,
Mary Lynn Palmer
Mary Lynn Palmer says:
August 20, 2016
Dear Linda and family and Jane,,I first met Joanne and Charles through the Adult Day Health program in Bellingham. I grew to love them both very much and am so thankful to have known them. Joanne volunteered her amazing talent at the ADH program on many occasions, Her quartet also played at a fund raiser for the Adult Day Health program…a magical evening that none of us will forget. Joanne played at our daughter’s wedding which was so very special. Another fond memory is Joanne helping our two children choose violins to buy over 30 years ago and they continue to appreciate their violins and memories of Joanne.
I remember meeting you Linda when you came to ADH. And I loved hearing about your daughter. Your mom was so very proud of her family.
I am sorry I had not seen your mother recently and was so saddened to read of her passing.
Jane, I know you were such an important part of Joanne’s life and I know this is a very hard time for you also.
I would like to attend a Celebration of Life when you schedule that in the future.
With love and prayers,
Mary Lynn Palmer