JoAnn Gail Trick

JoAnn Gail Nash (JoAnn Trick) came into the world on September 30, 1946, joining her parents, Ron and Mable, and her brother Dennis. She grew up on the west side of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, a place that shaped her sense of home, curiosity, and connection. From an early age, JoAnn carried a quiet spark—equal parts warmth, determination, and a hint of mischief—that would define her life.

She was someone who leaned into life fully. Adventurous and unafraid of a challenge, JoAnn was as comfortable diving into open water swims as she was taking on a Danskin triathlon, biking from Seattle to Portland, or walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. She circled Bainbridge Island, embraced new experiences with enthusiasm, and said yes to things that made her feel alive. Even later in life, she pursued learning with intention, earning a degree in social work—proof that curiosity and growth never left her.

JoAnn was creative and expressive in everything she touched. She sewed, quilted, cooked, and entertained with joy and flair. She had a strong sense of style, loved music, and brought beauty and personality into her surroundings. Whether hosting gatherings, swinging at a piñata with surprising force, or collaborating on projects like the Tour de Coop and HullaBalloons, she infused life with color and energy. She even authored a book celebrating chicken coops—an example of her playful originality and entrepreneurial spirit.

At her core, JoAnn was deeply loving, loyal, and kind. She built lasting friendships—true sisterhoods—that carried through decades. She was a friend who showed up, a woman who connected people, and someone whose presence made others feel at ease. She had a sassy streak, a competitive edge, and a strength that was both quiet and formidable.

Family was central to who she was. She took her role as a mother seriously and poured herself into raising her children, Mead and Crissey, with intention, care, and love. She created a home that was warm, lively, and welcoming—a place where people gathered, celebrated, and felt they belonged. Her love extended naturally to her grandchildren, bringing joy into their lives with the same energy and devotion.

Her life with Steve began young, rooted in a connection that was impossible to ignore. They built a life together grounded in shared experiences—traveling, working hard, creating a home on Bainbridge Island where they would remain for over five decades. Their journey took them from Seattle to Bremerton, to Europe and Alaska, and eventually to the community they helped shape and cherish.

Professionally, JoAnn found meaning in helping others, working with the Northwest Adoption Exchange in Seattle. It was a natural extension of who she was—someone who cared deeply about people and believed in connection, belonging, and opportunity.

In later years, JoAnn faced early-onset Alzheimer’s with remarkable courage. Though the disease gradually took pieces of her memory, it never erased the essence of who she was—the strength, the warmth, the spirit that defined her. Surrounded by an army of people who loved her, she continued to show resilience and grace through eight difficult years.

JoAnn is survived by her husband Steve; her son Mead, his wife Kim, and their daughters, Easson and Alexa; and her daughter Crissey and her husband Erik.

More than a list of accomplishments, JoAnn will be remembered for how she lived: boldly, creatively, and with a full heart. She was an adventurer, an artist, a loyal friend, a loving mother and wife, and a woman who embraced life with courage and joy.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider a donation to PEO, a nonprofit organization, dedicated to supporting women's educational pursuits. You can learn more about them and support JoAnn's insatiable love of learning at https://www.peointernational.org/.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.