Obituary of Joanne O'Connor-Rowell

Joanne O'Connor-Rowell had an eye for adventure. She loved the outdoors and every sport possible. Joanne was born on July 15, 1962 in San Francisco, the youngest daughter of James and Adeline O'Connor. Our dearly loved wife, daughter, aunt, sister, passed away September 7, 2010 at the age of 48 due to complications with cancer. Her early years were spent in Oakland until she moved to Newberg at the age of eight. She graduated from Newberg High School in 1980 and received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Portland in 1985. There she played on the first women's soccer team as the goalie. She later worked for OHSU and Evergreen School District. On October 17, 1982, Joanne married the love her life, Earl. Together they traveled and enjoyed life. Whether it was wine tasting in Sonoma, golfing in Pebble Beach, riding zip lines in Hawaii and Idaho, or cruising the ocean waters in Florida, they lived every moment to the fullest. Her favorite activities were water skiing, downhill skiing, motorcycle riding and golfing. Joanne had a special place in her heart for others and would do everything she could to take care of those in need. She will be desperately missed by all those who knew her. She was preceded in death by her father, James. Surviving her are husband Earl, mother Adeline O'Connor, sister Kathleen (Ron) Niehus, three nephews, niece, grandniece, and her beloved dog Mindy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.