Joanne Barlow, 78

Joanne Lee (Headlee) Barlow, 78, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Ponderay, Idaho, surrounded by friends and family.

Born on Dec. 5, 1946, in Bellingham, Wash., to Tom and Mary Headlee, Joanne was raised in Kennewick, Wash., where she graduated from Kennewick High School in 1964. She later attended Western Washington University before starting her family and ultimately made Sandpoint, Idaho, her home for the last 20-plus years.

Joanne’s heart was always open to those in need. She dedicated much of her life to helping others and, most recently, worked as a case manager for Bonner Homeless Transitions — supporting countless individuals in their most difficult moments. Her compassion, kindness, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every soul she met left a lasting impact on her community.

She was creative and full of life, finding joy in arts and crafts, knitting, crocheting, and enjoying a game of bingo or a trip to the casino. But more than anything, she loved being with her family, especially cheering on her grandchildren at all their sporting events. She was always their biggest fan.

Joanne is survived by her children: Ann (James) Wilhelm of Sonoma, Calif., Debbie (John) Darling of Sandpoint, Idaho, Mary “Mimi” (Howard Helbein) Reeves of Vermont, and Tom (Hannah) Barlow of Vancouver, Wash. She was a proud grandmother to Charlie, Quinn, Rylee, Mya, Evan, Theo, Noah, and Quinn. She also leaves behind her brothers, Tom (Katie) Headlee of Kenmore, Wash., and Ralph (Patti) Headlee of Carlsbad, Calif.

To honor Joanne’s giving spirit, donations can be made to bonnerhomelesstransitions.org

Services for family and close friends will be announced at a later date.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling arrangements. Please visit lakeviewfuneral.com to share memories and sign her guest book.