Helen Joyce Attwood

1930 - 2012

Helen Joyce Attwood obituary, 1930-2012, Spokane, WA

BORN

1930

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home

1306 North Monroe Street

Spokane, Washington

Helen Attwood Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 13, 2012.

Joyce "Joy" Nickell Attwood

Joyce "Joy" Nickell Attwood passed away peacefully on December 11, 2012 at her home in the Rockwood Retirement Community with her husband, Wayne Attwood by her side. Joy was born on October 11, 1930 in Smith Center, Kansas the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. I.E. Nickell. She was raised in Smith Center and attended grade school and high school there. She went on to higher education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. There she seriously pursued her long-standing passion in the visual arts. Her principle interest was in the design and creation of one of a kind jewelry pieces. Although Joy and Wayne had been raised in the same small town and were friends since the age of 3 and 4, it was at the University that they realized they were soul mates and that led to their marriage on December 9, 1951. Their union produced 3 wonderful children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

While Wayne completed his medical training, Joy was active in pursuing her artistic talents. Her unique style of jewelry has been collected privately and has appeared in shows and galleries nationally and internationally. Joy and Wayne moved to Spokane with their three children in July of 1963. In spite of the demands of raising three children, Joy became very active in the Spokane art community. She was particularly active in the Spokane Art School, having served on its board. She taught many classes and inspired her students to love and pursue the arts. In 1972 Joy opened a jewelry design studio as one of the original shop owners in Second City, and she inspired others to join in this unique venture. Other demands on her time prompted her to sell the successful shop in 1974 and she pursued the creation of her unique style of jewelry in her studio in her home. One of her great delights in later years was creating and giving beaded bracelets and necklaces to friends, family, and anyone who needed joy. She gave away nearly 300 bracelets.

In addition to her deep involvement in the art community she also was very active in the Spokane YWCA, where she served on its board and in the Girl Scouts, where she was a co-leader of a troop. The troop went on many exciting adventures including a 100 mile round trip bicycle ride from Spokane to Farragut State Park in Idaho. She was involved in many activities relative to her children's schooling. She was a member of "The Assistants, Inc." of Spokane and very active in the church, initially at the Central Christian Church and subsequently at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane.

Joy is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Attwood, with whom she recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary; by their three children and spouses, Lynn Attwood and his wife Loren of Salt Lake City, UT, Michele Attwood and her partner Jim Templeton of Vancouver, WA and Denise Attwood and her husband Ric Conner of Spokane, WA; five grandchildren, Kira Attwood, Amy Attwood-Charles, Brian Attwood, Emily Attwood and Cameron Attwood Conner; two great-grandchildren Owen Becker and Lila Joy Becker. Also, her brother Wendell Nickell of Salina, Kansas.

A "Celebration of Joy" will be held at 2 pm on January. 11, 2013 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane 99224. In lieu flowers donations may be made to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, "The MAC", www.northwestmuseum.org/ .,"The Matthew Girvin Scholarship Fund" at the Northwest Community Foundation www.inwcf.org or the Unitarian Universalist Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Attwood

What is your first memory of Helen?

Share a favorite memory you have of Helen.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Helen.

Describe a time when Helen made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Helen?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Helen.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Helen.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Helen.

What is something you learned from Helen?

Not sure what to say?

January 24, 2013

Susan Beard

I have been blessed to have known Joy and her family....I had a double blessing when after years of knowing the Attwood's and having visited them in their beautiful Baja Casa, I purchased that home and have lived many years surrounded by Joy's artistic contributions. I will miss her greatly and her "Joy-full" spirit! Blessed be.

January 12, 2013

Josette Wunder

To Joy's loving family - I wish to recall all the lovely times that Bill and I and then just me spent with Joy in Spokane, Baja and out at the lake. The warmth of her welcome was ever present, the popcorn always good and sharing with her a love of watching tennis a pleasure. Her unselfish consideration of others was always noticeable. I'm just so sorry I didn't get to see her just one more time before her passing. I will remember her with the fondest of JOYous memories. I pass on my very best wishes to all her family and to you especially Wayne at this time of your loss. Joy will be missed by all who knew her.

January 9, 2013

Denise Attwood

Mom, you have been the light in so many people's lives. You have brought us beauty in your art, beauty in your vision and beauty in your heartfelt love of all of us, just as we are. You have given the teachings of true love, true living, caring, patience and living beyond pain, not through words but through your actions in every moment of your life. I hope that all of us can carry forward this beauty that you held so wonderfully while on earth. Keep guiding us forward, keep sending us "white light". We love you so much and in every moment.

January 8, 2013

Kelly Lukins

Joy was the best of friends to me and my family - always cheerful, funny, loving and giving. She was beautiful and saw beauty in many things and people. She was caring - sending me lots of love and "white light" when I was ill and giving me a great big hug whenever I got back to Spokane. I treasure her gifts of art and jewelry but most of all, I treasure her love. I know there are many others who felt her love. What a wonderful legacy!

January 3, 2013

Sherry Nickell

I light a candle in my heart for my Aunt Joy. When I heard she left this earthly plane and returned to spirit, I couldn't believe it because her light was so bright it shone in my heart 2200 miles away. I thought that time would never be able to let her go. However, I know she will be guardian spirit for many of us that remain behind and are still working on our spiritual evolution. Shine on, Joy!!

December 25, 2012

Murray and Lynn Huggins

Joy was a loving light in our lives and our dear sweet friend. We cherish the years we shared together as great friends in Baja and our summer visits to their cozy lake cabin. Joy was a very unique woman; warm, caring, highly creative and a true family matriarch and very special friend to many. She was truly the jewel among all her jewels! We love you so much our dear Joy!

Posted by Murray and Lynn Huggins

December 25, 2012

Kathy Mooney

Joy was always so loving and giving. She gave me comfort in my time of need and I felt her maternal caring. She was an inspiration in so many ways. She brought color and creativity with her. I appreciate the things I have around me that will always remind me of her..her Frida Kahlo picture, a lovely vase...a painted snake, a bracelet...I will miss her very much.

Posted by Kathy Mooney

December 23, 2012

Roberta Booth

Joy was an incredible woman who touched everyone, and everyone she touched changed.
I am so grateful to have known her, A beautiful light in my life and so many others, she will be in my heart forever.

December 23, 2012

Tim Girvin

Isn't it so that there are some, that each of us have known, that have walked the challenging road, every day, yet still, they manifest an upward bound and happier, cheerful spirit? Joy was one, just as in her name -- always walking the happier path, sharing the uplifted spirit, the generosity of her giving -- "I made a bracelet for you." A person that I long remember, decades back in my life, as the optimist, the loving, the generous, the good-humored and happiest spirit. I shall hold that image, that warmth, in my heart and pay forward that song.

Thank you, Joy, for all that I learned from you. Beauty shared, in grace, a blessing.

December 19, 2012

Jim King

So sorry to hear the news of Joy passing and the great loss to your family. Joy left so many with 'joyous' memories. Before leaving on a trip to India she brought me a big bag of some fruit that she had dried. She said, "I'm sure this will come in handy in India." She was right, when the bus I was on broke down between Udiapur and Mumbia and took us over 30 hours to get there, I thought more than once, while enjoying the fruit, "thank you Joy" Love and Prayers to your family

December 19, 2012

Lynda Conner

Joy was a Mom to many, Mamu to her precious cherubs, her name says how we feel about her. She truly was a joyous person and a Joy to know, and we are fortunate she was part of our lives. She will be deeply missed, but I know her spirit will continue to touch us all.

December 18, 2012

Brian Attwood

Having spent the first 18 years of my life less than one mile's walk from Mamu and Papu's house, I grew extremely close to both of them. They are the only grandparent's that Kira and I ever knew. Mamu taught me the beauty of life, how to be generous and kind in spirit, and how to love always. This is a deep loss, felt not only by the Attwood family, but one that ripples out across the globe. I feel so blessed that I was able to visit last September and see her. We love and miss you Mamu, we know you will always be with us in our hearts. Blessings and peace be with you now.

December 18, 2012

Clark Miller

A beautiful soul.

December 18, 2012

Michele Attwood

To my dearest Mom, I love you so much and will miss your beautiful smile and wonderful laugh. I will always remember all the fun we had in Girl Scouts and the great times at the lake and on ski trips. You will always be in my heart in light and love. Thank you for everything. Love you tons!

December 18, 2012

Langdon Healy

Joyce was truly a Joy. All of my family enjoyed our brief time together at Amy and Will Attwood Charles' wedding. Our love and prayers to all the Attwood family.

December 18, 2012

Lynn Attwood

Thanks mom for bearing me and bearing with me lo these 60 years of my life. You have not only nutured me but you have been a well spring of love, inspiration and creativity that will propel me past your loss with meaning and hope for the rest of my days. Thanks for the memories mom, I love you, you're the best!

Posted by Lynn Attwood

December 18, 2012

Pemala Dhokar

We just heard about your mom. We are so sorry and we want you to know we are thinking of you and what you and your family must be going through right now. Please accept our condolences. We can only imagine how difficult this must be for you.
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

December 17, 2012

Joy Attwood

Posted by Joy Attwood

December 17, 2012

Susan Beard

I met Joy and Wayne in Baja,MX and live hereby in Sandpoint, ID. What a wonderful pair! I ended up purchasing their Baja home. They were such an incredible plus to the Baja community! Joy was always friendly and their home was open. I love all the art that she has collected around her and she and her artful soul will be missed by myself and all my Baja friends. Blessed be. "Sube"

December 17, 2012

Stacy Nickell

I loved my Aunt Joy Dearly. She was able to make everyone around her feel special and loved. She was always kind, gentle, empathetic, and caring. I am in awe of her creativity and the beautiful things she made, but also the beauty she created in the family and friends around her, with her nurturing, loving soul.I feel so lucky to have had the chance to see Joy in recent years and will never forget my time with her. I hold tight the beautiful beaded gifts from her and feel her spirit in them, and in everything she touched. What a privilege to have such a wonderful relative.

Posted by Stacy Nickell

December 17, 2012

Penny Schafer

I am so sorry for your loss Denise, thinking of you at this difficult time.
Penny & Jim
Taraluna

December 17, 2012

Allison Phillips

She is Joy to most, but she is still the wonderful Mrs. Attwood to me from my high school days. She was one of those great moms who was present in our lives, kind and helpful when we needed her and always, always had a smile or a word of encouragement. I am so thankful she was a part of my young life.

December 17, 2012

Kia Sorensen

I had the good fortune of getting to know Joy because I have the good fortune of having Kira in my life. Kira has such a special relationship with her grandparents that spending time with Kira frequently meant having the opportunity to spend time with Wayne and Joy. From time spent in Mexico, to time at the lake cabin, to visits in Spokane, I found Joy (and Wayne) to be kind, funny, smart, and creative. Their lives seemed to be filled with family and friends. I am grateful to Kira for sharing her grandparents with me, and I am grateful to have known Joy: a beautiful and wonderful person.

December 17, 2012

Terry Sorensen

Joy was one of the contributing artists in our community whose artwork and jewelry reflected what a beautiful person she was. It is a loss to our art community.

December 17, 2012

Nancy Kinzie

I have so many memories of sweet Aunt Joy and,even though I didn't see her often, she has always had a place in my heart. She taught me that kindness, love and beauty can go a long way, and with her, it did. Thank you, Aunt Joy, for being such a kind, loving and creative soul. I will miss you terribly.

December 17, 2012

Aryal- Sadle

We love friends, we love more Father, but we most love MOM, this is what we say in our culture! Helen Joyce Attwood would be with Joy in heven for ever !!! Love you Ric, Dinise and Mom- "Helen Joyce Atwood"

December 17, 2012

chunta nepali

December 17,2012
Joyce was a very generous and kind person and she was one of the main person of whose advice has made my(womens)independent life so much better.She has truly been a mother to me.I was really happy to see her in 2011.Her absence will be immensely felt by the great family that she had.And at this hard time my feelings go deep for Wayne her husband.May he be able to gather all the good light to cope with the situation.

December 16, 2012

Kira Attwood

"Mamu" as I named my grandma when I was a girl, was one of the most important and influential people in my life. She taught me about love and gratitude and friendship and beauty among so many other things. I hold her in my heart forever and am truly thankful and proud to have been her granddaughter. I love you, Mamu.

December 16, 2012

Denise Attwood

My mom "Joy" was the most amazing person in the world and the net of her love and joy spread throughout the world. She will be missed by so many but her love and joy will ripple through us all forever. Please keep her and my Dad Wayne in the light. I love you mom, Denise

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Helen Attwood's name

Memorial Events
for Helen Attwood

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home

1306 North Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99201

How to support Helen's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Attwood's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more