Joan Annette Murray

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Joan Annette Murray, December 1, 1952 - January 17, 2019. Forever and always, we remember our loving and devoted mother, gramma, sister, aunt and friend. We imagine her on a warm beach gazing at a beautiful sunset, sipping a Mai Tai cocktail with her toes wiggling in the soft sand, enjoying her afterlife to the fullest. Joan is survived by her children - Joseph Thomas Benchek and Crystal A. Murray, grandsons - Stryker Graham and Jack Haven. Preceded her in death by her daughter - Shelby E. Plummer, grandson - Ryder Graham, father - Alexander Murray, mother - Elsie Rose (Erose) Day (Zwick). Surviving siblings are Janet Storey, Jeff Murray, Jayne (Rick) Hildebrand and their families. Joan loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart, showing and sharing love in living life, experiencing adventures and roller coasters! An avid hiker and adventure seeker, she developed many valued long-lasting friendships. One of her favorite vacation spots was Hawaii where she embraced the Aloha spirit, which brought her peace. A violinist since high school, Joan and friends entertained many at holidays throughout the years. She also became the co-founder of the musical group, Funky Ferns. Joan valued details in life through decorating gingerbread cookies, cakes and bakery creations. Joan captured the smallest details in the beauty of nature with her creative eye as a photographer. She enjoyed visual arts and photography in which she tantalized the viewer to discover the meticulous clarity in nature. Subjects in nature range from the cactus bloom to the setting sun. Joan retired in 2018 after 27 years at Landerholm, P.S., where she was a highly respected employee and made many life-long friends. A graduate of Clark College and Columbia River High in Vancouver, WA. She spent most of her life in the Vancouver, WA, area and was also known as Joan Plummer and Joan Benchek. Joan's family appreciates and thanks the many individuals who brought joy to Joan through precious moments in her life. She was involved in many more clubs and organizations than we listed. It is with kindness we come together to share in memory, Joan A. Murray. A Memorial Service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684 (360-892-6060), Saturday, February 9, 2019, 12:30 p.m. A reception will immediately follow in the adjacent hospitality room. Joan's family requests you wear colorful, Hawaiian-themed clothing (if you are able to) to the service in honor of Joan's Aloha spirit.