What woman agrees to drive a bus of teenagers from Seattle to Disneyland during spring break? Joann.

What wife packs up two children to live in Japan for a year because of her husband’s job? Joann.

What mom takes her son to see The Rolling Stones at the Kingdom in 1981? Joann.

Joann Nichols, born in Glendale California in 1942, ended up in West Seattle, Washington after a few stops along the way (Portland, Renton, Bellevue, Bellingham), once she married George Nichols in 1962.

George and Joann’s partnership and love is the real heart of her story. Together they traveled the world, enhanced community, and raised three children (Kimberly, Troy, and Mieka).

When George’s role was Summer Camp Director at Camp Colman, Joann’s role was running the camp store, teaching crafts, and designing and silk screening t-shirts for the camp.  When George’s role was partnering with Japan for work, Joann created a decades long exchange program, taught practical English lessons to Japanese teens, and planned and executed a trip for 30 Japanese people with disabilities and their chaperons to tour various inclusive and specialized disability  programs in Canada. While all of these were fulfilling, she especially adored the Fauntleroy “Knapsackers” group of girls that hiked together.

Joann’s eccentric ideas, willingness to find ways to help others, and passion for travel were influential during George and Joann’s earlier parenting years. Kim, Troy, and Mieka still enjoy a roadtrip together, even if it is shorter than their childhood trip driving to Alaska in an old Ford van which Joann converted from a school van in a way that today is called “Van Life”.

Above all, they learned a sense of fierce loyalty and love from George and Joann’s example.

Joann is survived by husband of 62 years, George, her children Kimberly, Troy and Mieka, Mieka’s husband, Jeff, and grandchildren Russell and Warren.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Planned Parenthood or the Hospice Foundation of America.