Joan Carol Plastino, 75, of Richland, Washington, passed away on June 15, 2013. Our loving mother, sister, Gma and friend was peacefully taken by angels at the Hospice House.

Joan was born March 10, 1938 in Helper, Utah the daughter of Sterling and Josephine Putman. Most of Joan's early life was lived in Citrus Heights, California. She graduated from San Juan Union High school in 1955.

Joan was married later divorced and had two children Tamara Louise and David Allen. Joan enjoyed her children as they grew up, attending all their social and athletic events, encouraging them to participate in various activities. As her children had her three granddaughters; Juanita Marie, Gabriel Nachelle and Chandra Rene, she shared the same enjoyment attending their social and athletic events. Gma, as the girls so fondly know her, will always be remembered with many memories of bridging the family and three girls together. Mom/Gma was truly the matriarch of the family.

Joan had a successful career as a Quality Assurance Engineer. In the late 1970's and early 1980's she traveled, working at various nuclear reactors around the US. She returned to Richland in 1985 where she became employed at Hanford. She was named "The Woman of the Year" in 1996 by the Environmental Restoration Contractor ERC under contract to the DOE. It was the highlight of her career. She retired from ERC in 2002.

Retirement brought plans for golf and travel for Joan. She became a member of the Board of Directors for Columbia Basin Domestic Violence. Joan served for five years.
Joan enjoyed many days golfing at Horn Rapids golf course, Buck Skin golf course and being an active member of The Golf Bags. Joan was an active member of Kosmos Over 50 Singles. With this group of friends she enjoyed many Pacific Northwest trips, plays, dinners, brunches, wine tasting and much more. When she wasn't busy at home she was away traveling to see friends and family or traveling to new adventures: China, Russia, Alaska, California, Arizona, Egypt, Australia, Panama Canal and so many more ~ all of them traveled with dear friends. Cannon Beach held a special place in her heart. Her favorite place she traveled to? "The next one," she would always say.

Joan was a woman who was always learning and staying up to date with current events. She read the local newspaper daily and the world events online. Each day she completed the crossword puzzle. When her granddaughters were on Facebook, Joan got a Facebook account. She quickly learned how to "like" and "share" in her granddaughters social world. When she became too sick to travel she tuned into TV shows that allowed her to travel from her recliner nestled with her most trusted and loyal friend, Missy dog.

Joan had a tenacity for life and lived it to the fullest. She was strong willed and a fighter. When diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer she asked,"How can I fight it?" Joan fought it for many months. With each person she encountered in her life they instantly felt connected to her. Joan was a genuine caring person who gave unconditional love to anyone she met. She will be dearly missed by all.

Joan was preceded in death by her father Sterling, mother Josephine, brotherAlvin, sister Eva and her daughters significant other, Terry.

Joan is mourned by her daughter Tammy Cooke, son and daughter in law Dave and Claudette Plastino. Three granddaughters: Juanita Gray husband Nathan, Gabby Plastino boyfriend Justin, Chandra Plastino. Great Grandchildren: Cameron Gray and Kailee Keller. Her brothers: Sterling Putman wife Terry and Gary Putman wife Carol. Many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.at Horn Rapids Golf Course in the Sage Room.We welcome your memories at the online guestbook at www.einansfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations can be made to The Chaplaincy 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352 in memory of Joan Plastino/Memorial Endowment Wall.