Joan "Jody" Lee Voligny

   Joan (Baldwin) Voligny, 89, beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024 at Aegis Living of Redmond, WA.

   Joan, better known as “Jody,” was born April 7, 1935 in Spokane, WA to Ray “Stack” Baldwin and Thelma (Trone) Baldwin.  She was their first born, a beautiful blue-eyed baby girl who was the “apple of her father's eye!” Jody grew up in Kellogg, Idaho and loved living in the small mining town. She had many cherished friends over her lifetime; her most treasured was her long time friend the late Shirley (Lee) Brown.

   Jody enjoyed and excelled at many sports, especially baseball, ice skating, swimming and baton twirling!  She became a prominent twirler in her high school marching band and traveled around Idaho performing at games and competitions.

   The University of Idaho was Jody's choice for college, where she enjoyed being a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.  As a “Vandal,” she continued baton twirling for the college marching band at games and parades.  Jody graduated with a B.A. degree in Physical Education.

   After college, Jody landed a teaching position at West Seattle High School. In 1959, Jody ventured with friend to the Spanish Castle in Des Moines and met the love of her life: Bill (William) Voligny.  They were happily married for 36 wonderful years!  

After living in Seattle for a few years, the couple moved to Auburn where Bill began teaching Mathematics at Olympic Junior High.  Soon after, they welcomed their son, Mike followed by daughters Shelly and later, Cara.  Eventually, the family moved to their forever home in Enumclaw, where the family were active members at Hope Lutheran Church (just next door). The family life of the Voligny's can only be described as happy, loving and idyllic!  Jody was an amazing mother and wife!  After Bill retired, the couple enjoyed golf, tennis and several travel adventures all over the U.S. and Canada in their beloved Volkswagen Westfalia van.

   In 1996, a year after Bill passed away, Jody moved to Providence Point in Issaquah. 

At that time, she enjoyed many new and old friendships, international travel, ballroom dancing, papercutting and a new sport: Pickleball! Eventually, Jody settled at Aegis Living of Redmond in the Memory Care Center - where she was dearly loved by both the residents and staff.  On the last day of July, Jody passed a way peacefully in her bed.

   Jody is preceded in death by her husband Bill, Carolyn Fulk (sister), Thelma Baldwin (mother), and Ray “Stack” Baldwin (father).  She is survived by her children: Michael Voligny (Agnes) of Cambridge, MA,  Shelly Torset (Todd) of Bellevue, WA and Cara Hoff (Stayne) of Freeland, WA. Grandchildren: Ryan & Kelsey Hoff, Jacob & Sarah Torset, and Emma & Ethan Voligny.  

   A private family memorial service will be held at Enumclaw Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.