Joan Alice Donen

NOTE: To view the livestream of Thursday's funeral service at Heritage, click HERE.

Joan Alice Donen, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the home she shared with her daughter Gail and son-in-law Roger Kulp in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, with them by her side. Born in Los Angeles, California, she spent most of her life in Spokane, Washington, before spending her last few years in Arizona.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17, Joan was truly a miracle of modern science — living an adventurous life that defied all odds. A true explorer at heart, she was an avid sailor, skier, and motorcyclist who skied across the globe, rode her motorcycle to Alaska, bungee-jumped at 65, and, with her husband, Jerry, circumnavigated the world in their sailboat. Many would say Joan had nine lives — each one lived with courage, laughter, and a boundless zest for life that inspired everyone who knew her.

Married for 55 wonderful years to the love of her life, Jerry Donen, together they built a life filled with love and adventure. She is survived by her daughter Gail Kulp of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; son Steven Donen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; granddaughters Adrienne Gustafson and Heather Rose; great-grandchildren Connor, Taylor, Maddison, and Kaden; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; parents Fred and Pearl Lofchie; sister Judy Suddleson; and nephew Barry Suddleson.

A funeral service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA on Thursday, October 30, at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth Shalom or the American Diabetes Association.