Joyeanna Chaudiere 82, and long-time Edmonds resident, passed away peacefully April 21, 2013 in Everett, Wash.

She was born in 1931 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Russ and Erma Erickson. Her father was a steel contractor involved with  many of the large buildings and freeways in downtown Los Angeles. Joyeanna was a graduate of Woodbury College with a BA in Home Economics and a minor in Business. She worked for Rockwell International before moving to the Northwest to raise her children.

Joyeanna became involved in the arts community of Edmonds in the mid-1960s. Her artistic pursuits included membership in many associations including: Gallery North (Edmonds), the Seattle Weaver’s Guild, the Needle Arts Guild, and the Button Society. In addition, Joyeanna was a leader in her community as a member of the Rotary Club, a 10-year member of the Edmonds Art Commission, and also as a staunch supporter and exhibitor at the Edmonds Art Festival. She was noted for her award- winning baskets, which toured with the Smithsonian. Joyeanna was also one of three Washington State artists chosen by the governor to design an ornament for display on the White House Christmas Tree.

Joyeanna was a life-long learner. She received more community college credits at Edmonds Community College than any other student without receiving a degree. She traveled abroad three times with her classmates to France, England and Italy after the age of 70. While in Paris she took additional classes at the Cordon Bleu. Joyeanna was featured in a recent local community college TV campaign advertising the joys of learning at any age.

In 1976, Joyeanna married Herb Chaudiere, an established accoustic engineer. They lived 23 wonderful years together in the Edmonds Community. Joyeanna and Herb spent much of their time together with their good friend Gus, chasing trains up and down the West Coast and developing their internationally renowned garden railroads. Joyeanna enjoyed entertaining on “El Patio” in her backyard, utilizing the trains to deliver food and drink to her guests.

Joyeanna is survived by her three children, Steven Russell (Mary Beth) Deines, Sandy Joye (Carl) Subcleff, Francis V. Deines, III (Tonya) and her grandchildren; Connor Matthew Fleming of St. Louis, Amanda Joye Subcleff, Kristofer Andrew Subcleff and Shaeffer Russell Subcleff (twins) of Edmonds, and Joyanna Deines of Everett. She is also survived by dear friends Barbara Foster, Gail Sarvis, and neighbor Charlotte Johnson.

Please join us for a brief graveside service and burial, Saturday, April 27 at the Edmonds Cemetery, 11 a.m., followed by a “Celebration of Joyeanna’s Life”  at the Plaza Edmonds Library, Library Room, 700 Main St., Edmonds. The celebration will begin at 2 p.m. with a service followed by an informal open floor tribute to Joyeanna. (All stories welcome!)

Donations may be made in Joyeanna’s name to the Edmonds Art Commission. Proceeds will be used to fund the Joyeanna Chaudiere Award in support of a local artist.