JoAnn (Skold) Winesdorfer ’61 died Aug. 21.
Winesdorfer died Aug. 21. She was born on July 31, 1939, in San Francisco to Gunnar and Gunborg Skold, formerly of Sweden. An only child, she graduated from Lincoln High in 1957 and moved to the Pacific Northwest, graduating from Pacific Lutheran University with a BA in Psychology in 1961. For 23 years, JoAnn worked as Patient Representative for Harrison Hospital and taught parenting classes at Olympic College. Many people remember her kindness, encouragement, and practical advice shared with patients, students and friends alike. A longtime advocate of the arts, JoAnn and her husband, John, held season tickets for the Seattle Opera and proudly attended performing arts performances by her daughters, grandchildren and son-in-law Garey Williams. JoAnn loved to discuss literature, religious thought and politics. She was passionate about causes, “fighting for the underdog” and intellectual debates. Known for her loving smile and warm heart, she was adored by many who considered her “mom.” She is survived by her husband of 32 years, John; daughters Valerie Williams, Monica Jerbi, Miriam White, and Hilary Winesdorfer; son, Major Wesley White, and grandchildren Demetrius Burns, Athena Williams, Anna Williams, Naomi Williams, Gabriel Williams and Kimberly Titus.
