JoAnn Karkainen Mayfield Obituary (1939

JoAnn (Karkainen) Mayfield, age 64, died at her son's house in Bremerton, WA. on April 7, 2004. She fought to overcome a brain tumor very courageously. Jo Ann was born on August 23, 1939 in Port Gamble, Wa. to Walter and Florence (Spurling) Karkainen. She was raised on a farm in Poulsbo, which her grandparents homesteaded after immigrating from Finland. JoAnn was very proud of her "Finnish" ancestry. She attended North Kitsap High School and graduated in 1957. Soon after she married Harry L. Mayfield Jr. on September 14, 1957. Together they raised three children and eventually took over the farm after her parents retired. They were married fory-two years prior to Harry's death on Sept. 14, 1999. JoAnn worked as a Personnel Clerk for twenty five years at Keyport and Bangor. JoAnn enjoyed the hard work of the farm like her father. She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty, so to speak. A sense of satisfaction from a hard days's work. And, at the end of the day, to talk about the day's accomplishments wtih family and friends on the back porch overlooking green pastures. She also enjoyed traveling, namely to Finland and Russia, restoring antiques, decorating her house, and most of all playing with her grandchildren. A loving wife, mother and grandmother she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Ballard, son-in-law William Ballard; son Harry L. Mayfield lll, daughter-in-law Amey Mayfield; son Byron Mayfield; Grandchildren: Alex Ballard, Conner, Sara and Katelyn Mayfield. Mother-in-law Mildred (Dillie) Henry and husband Hank. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Harry L. Mayfield Jr. in 1999; her parents Walter and Florence Karkainen; her brtoher Walter (Butch) Karkainen. A special thank you and praise to Amey Mayfield in providing home care for her mother-in-law in her time of need, God Bless. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 16, 2004 at 3:00 PM at the Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary, In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, Il 60018