Joanne Mae Stewart

Joanne Mae Stewart, 63, of Stanfield, Oregon, passed away with her family at her side on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Regency Hermiston Health & Rehabilitation Center in Hermiston, Oregon, after a second short and brave battle with melanoma.

Joanne was born July 20, 1950, in Caldwell, Idaho, to parents James and Florence Evelyn (Phillips) Kitchin. She was one of six children: Donald (Toad), James, Kenneth, Katherine and Coral.

Joanne lived in the Caldwell area until the 1970s when she and her husband, James, moved to Eastern Oregon and bought a home in Stanfield where she resided until her passing.

Joanne was a selfless person who devoted her life to those that needed it most, children! She provided love, comfort and support to not only her own children, but to many others she raised or helped raise throughout the years. For over twenty years she and her husband Jim opened their hearts and home to a countless number of foster children and nieces and nephews. She was considered Mom by many. She was a beautiful person inside and out.

Joanne was well known in the Stanfield community. She worked for the Stanfield School District for many years. She made a huge impact on the kids she worked with, as well as the teachers. Her memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege to know her.

Joanne leaves behind her husband of 37 years, Jim; her precious grandson Justin Snyder; her special angel here on earth, Debbie Baros; daughters Tracy Wilkinson of Portland, Ore., Christy (Tim) Bright of Caldwell, Idaho, and Kelli Stewart of Stanfield, Ore.; stepdaughter Angel (Scott) Anderson of Wausau, Wis.; son Roger Wilkinson of Stanfield, Ore.; stepson Gregory (Danielle) Stewart of Meridian, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brothers James (Jolynn) Kitchin and Kenneth (Romona) Kitchin; sisters Katherine (Richard) Lattimer and Coral Pegram; and sister-in-law Debbie Kitchin.

Awaiting her arrival on the other side, are her parents, James and Florence Kitchin; brother Donald Toad Kitchin; and special aunt Shirley Phillips.

A casual Celebration of Life gathering is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2014, at the Stanfield Elementary School from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Please send condolences at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.