Joann Agnes Devlin

Our mother, Joann Agnes (Ignaszewski) Devlin, 100, of Tacoma, WA, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 14, 2024.

Joann was born on April 10, 1924, in Leo, MN, the daughter of John and Rosella (Zabinski) Ignaszewski.  She passed away peacefully on the evening of August 14, 2024, at Gen Care in Tacoma.  She grew up living and working on a farm in Greenbush, MN, the oldest of a family of eight.  Working and helping provide for her family was integral to her life.  She would work for many people to help place food on the table, one reason she never finished formal schooling.  She left home, worked in Minneapolis, MN, and then moved west to find job opportunities.  With an infectious personality, Joann never lacked for finding a job to continue to support herself and her family.  She not only sent money to her mother but also to her uncle.  In addition, she paid for her sisters to move out west to live with her and ensured they completed their schooling at St. Leo’s Catholic School.  She went to work at Lane’s Restaurant as a waitress, where she met several lifelong friends.  At Lane’s, she met our grandfather, James Devlin, a barber.  James decided Joann would be a good match for his son Joseph and introduced them.  Joe and Joann were married on August 30, 1949, at St. Patrick’s Church in Tacoma.  Sadly, James passed away in 1948 before they were married.  Joann worked until they began their family of five daughters: Eileen, Colleen, Carol, LuCindy, and Nancy.  Her love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life.

Joann was a woman of many talents, but her true gift was her ability to give back to her community.  She planted a garden, canned fruits and vegetables, the best garlic pickles, and pickled eggs yearly.  Oh, how the house smelled of garlic after pickles.   However, everyone remembers her most for making the best homemade raspberry jam and rolls.   She was a beautiful crocheter who worked to provide for our family through canning and baking.  She enjoyed doing handicrafts and was an amazing crocheter.  Joann and Joe provided their girls with music, dancing, and other activities.  They loved to travel, which they shared with their daughters and families.  Joann's impact extended beyond her family.  She helped with Girl Scouts and was the Catholic Daughters of America Leader for elementary/high school girls at St. Patrick’s

As the girls grew older, Joann became more involved in St. Patrick’s Church (as a Eucharistic Minister) and School, Catholic Daughters of America, YLI, Altar Society, Post Office Auxiliary, etc.  However, she will be remembered for her dedication as a caregiver and helping others.  She ensured the neighbors were doing well by bringing them food, doing errands, etc.  She was a devout Catholic, which is evident in how she lived.

Her daughters remember when she spoke in Polish, not wanting them to understand what she was saying to her sisters, mother, and especially Aunt Violet.  She looked forward to family gatherings for the holidays and special occasions.  This was important to her.  She wanted to know everything happening in everyone’s life, especially when her grandchildren visited her.

After Joe’s passing, Joann continued helping others and transitioned to caring for her granddogs. Through the years, she loved all the pets and always spoilt them.  She loved it when the granddogs and great-granddogs came to visit her.  They always made her eyes light up, and they were number one.

Joann’s family celebrated her 100th birthday in April.  What a wonderful memory that will always be treasured.  Her two surviving sisters and special Godchildren could come from Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida to celebrate this momentous moment of her life.   What a wonderful celebration of her life, which she treasured.

Joann's loved ones treasure many memories of her; however, the most important gifts she and Joe gave their daughters were to be strong, care for others, and always be there for each other.  While Joann was a strong and independent woman, she could always count on her daughters to help her even when she didn’t think she needed their help.  Of course, no one could forget to bring her chocolates, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Her five daughters survive Joann:  Eileen Wascisin of Vancouver, WA; Colleen (Vince) Cotroneo of Marysville, WA; Carol (Larry) Minnitti of Vancouver, WA; LuCindy Matison of Tacoma, WA; and Nancy Sherwood of Tacoma, WA; 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sisters Philamay Monsrud of Badger, MN, and Erine Dvergsten of International Falls, MN, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and special Godchildren.  She was preceded in death by her Husband Joe, sons-in-law John Wascisin and Steve Matison, her brother Isidor, and sisters Hattie, Isabel, Marcie, and Christine.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Gen Care Staff for their wonderful care of Joann, Bob Hopman, Eucharistic Minister, who faithfully brought her communion and a great visit each week, and Hospice.

A Celebration of Joann’s life will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, Tacoma, WA, on Friday, September 27, 2024, with a Rosary at 10:15 am and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, with a reception following.  Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma following the reception celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick’s Church in Joann's name.