Joan Lorraine Willoughby, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, in Bremerton, Washington. She was born on February 5, 1932, in Tacoma, Washington, to Robert and Doris Clem.

Joan lived a life marked by adventure, a deep passion for music, and a dedication to education.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Rosemary, and her daughter, Robin. Joan's early life in Washington State laid the foundation for a remarkable life.

While pursuing a music major at the University of Puget Sound, she met and married Robert Willoughby and started a family. Their shared careers at Boeing took them to various locations, including New Orleans, Louisiana, and Huntsville, Alabama, where they contributed to the nation's space program.

In the mid-1960s, Joan earned her private pilot's license, which became one of her life's passions.

She became a member of the first women's aviation pilot group, the Petticoat Pilots, originally based in Ireland.

As a classically trained concert pianist, Joan played with the New Orleans Symphony after moving there with the family.

She later embarked on a 12-year journey in the northern mountains of India, where she taught piano at the prestigious Kodaikanal International School.

Subsequently, she relocated to Bangalore and taught at the Canadian International School.

Joan was known for the positive impact she had on her students and the fondness they shared for her.

Her intrepid nature also led her to travel extensively throughout Asia, embracing the local culture while visiting elephant sanctuaries, trekking through the land, and exploring their diverse cuisines.

Joan will be deeply missed by her surviving family, which includes her daughter, Pamela; her son, Brent; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Her legacy of musical talent, adventurous spirit, and commitment to learning will live on through

her family and all who knew her. All in all, it was a life well lived.

A remembrance will be held on May 10th at 2:00 PM at St. Antony of Egypt Episcopal Church in Silverdale, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joan's name to a charitable organization of your choice.