Joanne Cochrane

JoAnne Cochrane was born JoAnne Carol Kuether in Neenah, Wisconsin on March 27, 1938, the youngest child of John & Corrine Kuether.

She was a precious, fun-loving child who was popular with everyone, JoAnne attended elementary and high school in Neenah. In June 1960 she earned a teaching degree from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, and later a masters degree. During her college years she toured with a singing group and enjoyed singing throughout her life.

She taught elementary school in Chicago but after getting stuck in the third snowstorm in a row, she sent off her application to a school in California, and soon thereafter moved. There she met and married David Medved in 1963. She taught elementary and middle school for several years and finally settled at Rolling Hills High School as a guidance counselor, David was a biology teacher there as well. Together, Jo and David traveled the world and made many great memories together.

Sadly, David died in 1980 after a brief illness and JoAnne had to adapt to life without him.

Through mutual friends , JoAnne met Gordan Cochrane, who was living in Seattle, Washington, (Gordon had lost his wife to a serious disease). Jo & Gordon were married in December 1983 and built a lovely home on Wollochet Bay in Gig Harbor. There they hosted friends and many extended family gatherings. There they introduced relatives to Pickle Ball on their own private court.

Jo & Gordon enjoyed extensive travel including an archaeological dig in Israel, a few weeks with Stephen & Lis in India helping with their ministry there, and numerous trips with Roads Scholar Adventure Tours.

In the late 90s Jo & Gordan moved to Trellis Grove condos in Gig Harbor where she lived until her passing. They enjoyed many years of gardening and involvement with numerous friends and a loving church family at Harbor Covenant.

JoAnne is predeceased by her parents, John in 1965 & Corrine in 1991, her brother, John Jr. (Judy) in 2001, her sister, Lavila (Edward) in 2022, and by Gordon in 2023.

JoAnne is mourned by step-children, Curt (Kathy), Claudia, and Don (Cathy), their children and grandchildren, nieces, Judy (Randy), Deborah (Glenn), and Rebekah (Tom), and many grand nieces and nephews.

JoAnne’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 26 at 11am at Harbor Covenant Church at 4901 Gustafson Drive, Gig Harbor, Pastor Michael White will be officiating.

Remembrances:
University of Nations Kona
Steve & Lis Cochrane #7720
Carin Cochrane #6526
75-5851 Kuakini Hwy 256
Kailua, Kona, Hawaii 96740