Joan Jean McAlister passed away on Aug. 19, 2007 and was entered into rest on Aug. 24, 2007 in Warrenton, Virginia.

Joan was born in Lewiston, Montana to Arthur and Zelma Sylvester on March 4, 1927. Her family moved to Oroville when she was a small child. She graduated from Oroville High School in 1945 where she was active in sports and played in the band. She also attended Washington State University (College). Joan married Roy E. McAlister in 1947 at the First Methodist Church (Oroville) and they had three children.

They lived in California, Germany and later settled in Spokane. She worked in the apple orchards of Oroville and became adept at using a high-powered sewing machine at Goodwill Industries in Spokane. She was devoted to her children and spent her last seven years living in Virginia where she was able to spend holidays with her children and grandchildren, make new friends, play bingo and watch her beloved Atlanta Braves. In addition, absolutely no one could beat her at checkers. Unable to attend church regularly she religiously watched the Hour of Power. For those who helped care for Joan she was known as the lady with the beautiful smile.

She is survived by her two brothers, Gordon (DeeLoris) Sylvester of Oroville and Jim (Shirley) Sylvester of Kennewick; her three children, Daniel Craig McAlister, Seattle; Julie Ann McAlister, Apethorpe, England and Nelson Edward McAlister, Spokane; her daughter-in-law Diane McAlister and son-in-law Richard Kneubuehl; three grandchildren, Shaylon McAlister, Jacob McAlister and Jean-Louis Delayen and two great grandchildren, Kai and Ella McAlister.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and parents and a sister, Mary Lou.

A celebration of her life will be held in Oroville at the United Methodist Church on Nov. 10, 2007.