Joanne Marie Wells Obituary (2023)

Joanne Marie Wells, 81, of Yakima, Washington, passed away on December 17, 2023, with her family by her side. Joanne was born on April 11, 1942, to Peter and Irma DeSanto, in Seattle, Washington. After graduating in 1960, from Holy Names Academy in Seattle, she attended Seattle University. She then moved to Yakima, completing her bookkeeping degree at Yakima Business College. In 1963, she married William C. Wells and went on to have four children, Rita, William, Robert, and Kathi. Joanne worked for Varco Trucking and Farmer Petes Nursery, before retiring from Yakima County Public Works accounting office, in 2011, after 30 years. She spent her time attending all her children and grandchildrens activities. She was a member of the Sons of Italy, enjoyed painting, cooking, and was an amazing bowler. She loved her family immensely and took great pride in sharing in their successes. Joanne was the oldest of six children and preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Irma DeSanto, her brother, Peter DeSanto Jr., and great-granddaughter, Madelyn. She is survived by her children, Rita (Kevin) Swart, William (Paula) Wells, Robert (Heidi) Wells, and Kathi (Steve) Gray, her grandchildren, Zackery (Lauren) Swart, Michael (Marie) Swart, Chase Wells, Sydney Wells, Benjamin Wells, Samuel Wells, Olivia Wells, Payton (Ashley) Gray, Mackenzi (Matthew) Kershinar, and Jacob Gray, her great-grandchildren, Lexie Swart, Lanie Swart, Samantha Swart, Maverick Gray, Miles Gray, Grace Kershinar, and Brooks Kershinar. She is also survived by her sisters, brothers, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to Mike Rosencrance and the staff at Highgate. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 10:00am, at St. Pauls Cathedral. A Reception will follow at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Click to view LIVE service Memorial Mass St. Paul Cathedral Saturday, January 6, 2024 10:00 AM 15 South 12th Ave Yakima, WA 98902 Reception Brookside Funeral Home Saturday, January 6, 2024 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Immediately following Memorial Mass.