Joan Cecile (Shaffer) Hopen

Joan Cecile Shaffer Hopen was born on August 6, 1943 to Beverly Miner Shaffer and Robert L. Shaffer of Tacoma. She was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer in June and died at home on July 2, 2018 at the age of 74. Joan attended Lincoln High School in Tacoma and raised her two sons in Gig Harbor while working for Pierce County. She retired in 1999 after 25 years. Joan and Alf were together for 32 years and lived in Gig Harbor. They enjoyed traveling to Alaska and around the western US visiting National Parks. Some of Joan’s favorite pastimes were playing the slots, baking hundreds of Christmas cookies every year, decorating for the holidays, shopping, and growing her flower baskets. She spent hours crocheting and her beautiful homemade gifts will always be treasured.

Joan is survived by her husband and best friend Alf Hopen, sister Roberta Shaffer Smith,  sons David Harrison (Ann) and Scott Harrison (Vlada), stepdaughters Wendy Hopen Sleeger (Gary), Heidi Hopen Wright (Drew),  six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her faith full four-legged companion, Tuffy.

Joan will be missed terribly and will live in the hearts of her friends and family forever. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warriors Fund. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on August 10 at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club.

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