Lela “Joan” McGee, 85, of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026.

Joan was born in Covina, California, on October 15, 1940, to Woodrow and Maude Perkins. She was married to Joseph Arthur McGee III, who passed away in 2023. Throughout her life, Joan was devoted to caring for others. She opened her heart and home to more than 30 foster children, offering love, stability, and compassion to those who needed it most.

When grandchildren came along, Joan became lovingly known as “Mimi,” a name that reflected the special place she held in their lives. She made sure each of them felt deeply loved. Family was always at the center of Joan’s life, and the care she gave to those around her was one of her greatest gifts.

Joan also had a lifelong love for animals and was rarely without beloved pets, including cats and dogs. Her love of growing things began in childhood, when she was raised on a farm, and continued throughout her life, even when indoor plants were all she had room to tend. She worked for many years as an administrative assistant, but her greatest legacy was the love and care she poured into her family and others.

Joan is survived by her children, Jeff Cannon and Janelle Ward; her siblings, Bill Perkins, Chuck Perkins, and Helen Perkins; her grandchildren, Jason Kirschmann, Amber Chase, John Rieb, and Chelsea Cannon; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, with another on the way; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, stepchildren, and step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Arthur McGee III, and her adopted son, James Cannon.

Joan will be remembered for her generous heart, her lifelong care for others, and the love she gave so freely to her family. Her kindness, devotion, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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