Joan Humphrey Obituary

Joan Helen Humphrey, 86, affectionately known as Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and simply Joan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and inspiration. Born into this world as Joan Helen LaPlante in Toledo, Ohio, she became the heart and soul of her family, alongside her beloved late husband and life partner, Lowell. Together, they built a strong foundation that shaped and inspired their family of six children.
Joan was a remarkable woman who wore many hats throughout her life. As a teacher, she guided and educated her six children, not only through school but also in the lessons of life. She was an adventurer, bravely moving to Alaska in 1976 with her family and breaking traditional boundaries. Joan was an economist, demonstrating how to live within her means and care for a family of eight, even during tough times. She was both an enforcer and a peacemaker, teaching values of accountability, honesty, fairness, and understanding, which extended beyond her immediate family to a larger circle of friends.
Her skills as a domestic engineer and organizer were evident in her ability to put on large family gatherings and celebrations. Despite her playful struggle with counting place settings, she always made room for one more, emphasizing the importance of family unity over shared meals. Joan's talents were vast, including being a humanitarian, artist, fashion, and interior designer.
Professionally, Joan had a career in public service working with Senators Frank and Lisa Murkowski in their Anchorage office as a legislative assistant.
Joan loved Alaska and its many opportunities. She was the consummate first mate with Lowell as they spent years exploring Prince William Sound on their boats Silhouette and Katmai Lady. A devout Catholic, Joan attended St. Patrick's Parish for 48 years. Always quick to lend a helping hand, she was kind, gentle, generous, warm, joyous, and good humored.
Above all, Joan was a loving and devoted wife to Lowell for over 66 years. While her family will miss her dearly, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband in heaven. Joan's spirit lives on in the reflections and actions of her family, who are forever grateful for her love and guidance.
Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Humphrey, twin sister Jean Rossler, and her parents, Ruth and James LaPlante. She is survived by her six children, Mark Humphrey (Kimber), Christopher Humphrey (Lynn), Annie Bezilla (Paul), Mike Humphrey (Arianna), Sioux-z Marshall (Jordan), and Lisa Pekich (Illiya); ten grandchildren, Nick, Michelle, Kristin, Valarie, Sierra, Daniel, John, Steve, Isabel, and Ivy; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Sam. She is also survived by her five siblings in Ohio, James, John, Joyce, Joe, and Jane and many nieces and nephews.
Her legacy will continue to inspire and shape us all. A funeral service and celebration of life was held on October 30 and thank you to all that attended. In her remembrance, contributions to Providence Hospice (https://foundation.providence.org/alaska ) would be appreciated.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan, please visit our floral store.