Port Angeles resident, Joanne Kay Breitbach passed away Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Olympic Medical Center. She was 84.

Joanne was born in Monticello, Minnesota on April 25, 1934 to Elmer and Mabel Hitter. She was the youngest of three children.

She met the love of her life, Gene, at an ice skating party in Park Rapids, Minnesota. They were married on February 2, 1955. Joanne blessed Gene with three beautiful daughters, and soon after, they settled into their first home in South Dakota.

In 1961, they made the trek to the Olympic Peninsula starting in Port Angeles where they built the first of four homes.

Joanne owned and operated the Olympic Day Care and Preschool for 5 years. Then, they moved to Forks, where Joanne was employed at Forks Community Hospital, working in Central Supply. Joanne finished out her career at Lamont's in Port Angeles where she retired at its closing.

Gene and Joanne spent their retirement traveling in their motor home, taking numerous cruises and vacations with many friends and relatives.

Joanne loved antique lamps, ice cream, jewelry (especially her rings) and most of all, shopping!

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Terry and Jim Hitter and her daughter, Debbie Mattern.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Gene, daughter Lori Lamping (husband Jim and grandson Andrew Lamping); daughter Pam Bradshaw (husband Dan and granddaugher Chelsie Carmichael & her husband Adam and great-grandson Jaxson Carmichael, and great-granddaughter Carmichael, a baby girl due in July).

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Lopez Ave., Port Angeles, WA from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Joanne's name to The Special Olympics Washington at www.sowa.org or 206-362-4949.

Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles is entrusted with her arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for her family at www.drennanford.com .