In loving memory, we announce the passing of Joan Elaine Rebman Slighte, 81, of Centralia, who died on April 13, 2025, in Olympia from cancer.
Joan was born in Shelton, Washington, on May 2, 1943, and was raised in the Shelton area by her parents, John and Ellen Rebman.
The family later purchased property at Hood Canal, where Joan spent many summers and weekends with her children and parents by the water.
Joan spent most of her life working. While raising her children, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at South Puget Sound Community College while simultaneously managing her own business specializing in typing services. One of her major clients was the YWCA's Youth in Government program. She was proud to have been hired to type several books throughout her career.
After retiring from the college, she maintained connections with many colleagues and friends, hiring them as test proctors under her supervision. Joan balanced up to five jobs at once raising her children with the support of her cousin Denise and her parents.
She loved spending time with friends and family. Joan's passions included traveling, going to the movies, driving, playing pool, fishing, crocheting, and photography. She especially loved the ocean and enjoyed cruises to Alaska.
Joan is survived by her brother, John Edward Rebman Jr.; her daughter, Margaret "Marty" Ellen Slighte, both of Olympia; her grandchildren: Siobhan "Athena" Capley, Brandon Halley Wawrinofsky-Donovan, (Akasha) Kash Joanna Slighte of Chehalis Tribal Lands, Sean Padrick Wawrinofsky-Donovan of Tennessee, Jason (Jay/Sonny) Ronald Slighte Jr. of Chehalis Tribal Lands, and Adam Jacob Slighte of Toledo, Washington. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren: Aydin of Shelton; Serulea, Saphira, Jaina, and Rori of Maple Valley; Matteo of Chehalis Tribal Lands; Dawson of Rochester, Washington; and Rain and Sunnie of Onalaska; as well as a niece, nephew, numerous cousins, and close friends.
Joan was predeceased by her son, Jason Ronald Slighte Sr., in August 2023 and her grandson, Machalah "Maco" Alexander Slighte, in June 2011.
A service will be combined with a family reunion on August 17, 2025 at Squaxin Park in Olympia begining at 4pm.
Funeral Home Name: Cattermoles
Funeral Home Phone: 360-785-3881
Funeral Home Address: Po BOX 156
Birth date: May 2, 1943
Death date: April 13, 2025
