Joan Marie (Fairbanks) Roper

Joan Marie Fairbanks was born December 5, 1958. At that moment, the world gained a fierce, fun-loving individual. She was hard to handle, a child that pushed boundaries and challenged everyone around her. As she grew, the pattern continued, but she began to challenge people to love themselves. She taught friends and family to make the most of themselves and their life. She was an encourager who loved to laugh, especially at herself, something she claimed was necessary throughout life.

Joan loved to work in her garden, spend time with friends and family, and drink coffee. She had a passion for traveling. She had a captivating charisma that could energize others. Her laugh was infectious.

Joan was a counselor in the Washington State Prison system. She loved the people she worked with, and even the inmates she helped. She truly believed each one had the capacity to make the most of life, and prayed for their successes.

Joan had a saying she got from her mother, “Life is for the living.” She understood she would be missed, but she wanted her loved ones to know she expects them to enjoy every second because life is too short to dwell on negativity.

Joan passed away on February 7, 2019 of cancer and kidney failure. She was surrounded by family and people who love her dearly.

Joan is survived by:
Siblings: Becky Connors of Kalispell, MT, Gail Hurst of Kalispell, MT, Tom Fairbanks of Puyallup, WA, Bill Fairbanks of Clinton, NC, and Steve Fairbanks of Bonney Lake, WA.
Three children: Erin McAdams of Spokane, WA, Michael McAdams of Colfax, WA, and Audrey Graf of Port Orchard, WA. Seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.