Joanne J. Tahmalwash (67) of Toppenish died on Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Toppenish.
She was born in Toppenish on June 30, 1941 to Joe and Edna (Welch) Aleck.
Joanne was raised and educated in the White Swan and Harrah areas. She attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem.
Joanne worked as a custodian for the Yakama Nation and as a farm laborer.
She is survived by five daughters, Marie Wyena of Priest Rapids, Mary Tahmalwash of Wapato, Jennifer Hansen of Toppenish, Martha Tahmalwash of Toppenish, Karen Tahmalwash of Yakima; three sons, Robert Tahmalwash of Wapato, Johnny Tahmalwash of White Swan and Edward Tahmalwash of Toppenish; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Pearl Charley of Malott, WA and Anna Johns of Toppenish.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Simon and and infant son, one grandson, Roy, two brothers and one sister.
Dressing services were Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Colonial Funeral Home. Overnight services were Tuesday night at the Toppenish Longhouse. Funeral services follow Wednesday morning with burial at the Toppenish Creek Cemetery. Friends may send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com.
  Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.