Joy Ann Kaufman

September 25, 1936 - December 05, 2017

Joy Ann Kaufman

September 25, 1936 - December 05, 2017

Obituary

Joy Ann Kaufman, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 with her family by her side. Joy was born on September 25, 1936, the daughter of Sylvia Britt and Nathan Clapp.

Joy loved ballet and as a ballerina, she was the lead in “Swan Lake” at the local theatre.

After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1954, Joy worked at the U.S. Forestry Service in Okanogan, Washington. This is where she met the love of her life, James Kaufman. They were married on November 17, 1956 and began their life together and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Having a close relationship with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her extended family was one of the most important things to Joy. She loved her family deeply, making birthdays and Christmas especially magical.

She enjoyed visiting with friends, having a cup of tea, laughing and smiling. Joy enjoyed shopping, especially at The Bon Marche. She loved picnics, playing bingo, roses, going to Beanie and Barbie shows, the Lynden Fair, concerts and the special trip to Hawaii. Joy had a passion for desserts like: Fireball Twist ice cream, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Junior Mints, fudge, cookies, pies and the list goes on.

Joy will be greatly missed by her surviving family, including husband, James and children: Cherie (Tom) Kjorlaug, Debbie Kaufman, Kathy (Ray) Selnes. Brothers: Matt Britt, Jim Britt. Sisters: Theresa Britt, Carol Smith. Grandchildren: Nicole, Tommy (Kailea) Kjorlaug, Krysta (Donald) McCall, Miranda, Trevor, Lindsey Selnes. Great Grandchildren: Carly, Briella, Austin.

A special thank you to Mt. Baker Care Center who touched her heart as she warmly touched theirs.

Joy was a precious gift from God, our special angel. So much beauty, grace, love and patience.

We Will Love You Forever and Always!

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: December 22, 2017 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Bayview Cemetery
  • Location: 1420 Woburn St Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: December 22, 2017 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Central Lutheran Church
  • Location: 925 N Forest St Bellingham, WA - (Get Directions)

Reception

  • Date & Time: December 22, 2017 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Bellingham
  • Location: 2465 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510

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5 responses to Joy Ann Kaufman

  1. Kathy Selnes says:

    My Dear Sweet and Beautiful Mom,
    Thank you for being the best mom in the world. You have touched my heart in soo many ways.
    You were always there for me no matter what. You loved me more than anyone ever has.

    Days go by and I wonder what am I going to do without you. You were everything to me.
    Your kindness, beauty, love and grace will live on forever. You are an inspiration to us all.

    Thank you Mom for showing me what love is all about. You are my special angel.

    I Love You Forever and Always Mom!

    Love Your Daughter,
    Kathy xoxoxo

  2. I am so sorry to hear of Joy’s passing. You’ve lost a beloved mother or grandmother, and I’ve lost a good friend. Joy and I first met in the 8th grade. She was a happy, smiley person and very much involved with her dancing. These last few years when she was in the nursing home, she had to be in pain all the time. but was always smiling and friendly to all those around her. She will be missed by many.

  3. My Dear Mom,
    I’m so thankful for you. You were one of life’s greatest gifts. You were truly a blessing.
    You had such a caring and loving heart. You gave me more love than I could of ever asked for. You were a giving mom with a heart of gold. You gave me strength, courage, and wisdom throughout my life. You showed me how to take on challenges of life day-to-day. You showed me how having faith could make a difference in your life.
    I Miss You Mom.

    I’m so thankful that you and I had that special mother-daughter bond. That meant the world to me. You knew the true meaning of being a mom and a friend. You were the best at both.
    I Miss My Best Friend.

    I’m so thankful for the memories that I’ll cherish of you and I. You were so important and special in my life. God blessed me with the best Mom ever! You’ll be forever in my heart always!
    I Love You Mom(Mama Bear)………Love Always,Cherie(BabyBear) xoxox

  4. To My Beautiful Mom:
    Mom, you are my special angel and my best friend. You were a precious gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience. You have touched my heart in so many ways. Your strength and smile made me realize I have a special angel beside me.

    I will be forever grateful to you Mom, because you have been all I ever needed in my life. God gave me the BEST Mom in the world. I Miss You MOM! Love You FOREVER AND ALWAYS!

  5. Joy’s life was a life lived to its fullest. A happy marriage, a wonderful family and a loving home were just some of the wonderful things that she accomplished. With three beautiful daughters, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, her legacy will certainly live on forever. Please accept my deepest condolences.
    With love,

    Darby

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