Joann Opal Vennes

JoAnn Opal Vennes, 85, a resident of the Bethany community passed away on September 8, 2019 at her home in Bethany.
JoAnn was born on June 15, 1934 in Buell, OR. She was the seventh of seven children born to Joseph and Ann (Miller) Eisele. She was raised in NE Portland and attended St Rose Grade School and graduated from St Mary's Academy in Portland with the Class of 1953. JoAnn the enrolled at the University of Portland and attained a Nurses Degree in 1957.
She met her husband, George Vennes, while attending college and began dating. Following a four year courtship they married on September 21, 1957 at St Rose Catholic Church in SE Portland.  Following their marriage they followed George's Military career with the US Army and had lived in Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Virginia and Oregon. In 1966 Joann and the children settled in the Bethany area and George followed in 1970 upon his release from active service. They had seven children together; Noel, Stephanie, Jenifer, Ron, George III, Joseph, and Adrien.
JoAnn was a loving and devoted mother to her family, she also worked as a nurse for Providence St Vincent, Marysville Nursing  Home and Hospice. She was a talented artist and made lots of crafts including ceramic, paintings and sewing goods. She was a dedicated volunteer and had help run the RIO Guild gift shop at Good Samaritan Hospital for many years. She ran a florist business inside her home, "Three Acre Gardens", for 12 years with the help of her family. The holidays were centered around JoAnn's home where she would decorate for every season or occasion.
She is preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
She is survived by her loving husband, George, seven children and their spouses; Noel Vennes of Portland, Stephanie and Gregg Fortner of Portland, Jenifer and Steve Hiatt of Beaverton, Ron and Rita Vennes of Portland, George Vennes III of Santa Monica, Joseph Vennes of Camas, WA, Adrien Vennes of Portland, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren.