Jennifer Faye Joseph

Jennifer Faye Joseph, 62, was surrounded by loving family, Wednesday evening, December 16, 2020, when she departed this life, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. This inspiring woman was born Tuesday, September 9, 1958, in Portland, Oregon, to Andrew Joseph Sr. and Geraldine Friedlander. A proud member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Jennifer attended Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah, where she graduated with honors in 1976. She went on to receive her AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Washington, where she was ASB (Associated Student Body) President. While in Spokane, Jennifer was a Board Member with the Native Project. As a woman with many talents, she went on to work for the Colville Tribe as a Type 1 Wildland Firefighter with the "WUI Crew" before moving on to the Tribe's Human Resources Department. Always one who loved to help others, Jennifer was also a caregiver and CNA (Certified Nurse's Assistant). Those being her most notable and passionate positions, throughout her lifetime she was also a waitress, housekeeper, Birth-to-Three Coordinator, Aerobics Instructor, History & Archaeology, Nut Factory, and Youth Counselor. She was a traditional Sundancer and Winterdancer.

Everything Jennifer did, she did wholeheartedly in an unparalleled "all in" fashion. Jennifer loved to celebrate holidays to the hilt, especially Halloween when she would hand make award winning costumes for her children, grandchildren and herself. She enjoyed jogging and participating in fun runs – such as Spokane's Bloomsday Run and Race for the Cure. When not out running, she would be spending time picking huckleberries in her "Second Home", the mountains. Jennifer enjoyed creating – through sewing, crocheting, painting or cooking delicious fry-bread for those whom she loved above all else – "her wonderful family". She enjoyed watching or hearing (on the radio) the Seahawks play football. When not home ice fishing in the winters, she spent her time on the island of Kauai with her daughter and family.

Jennifer's legacy of love and strength continues through her mother Geraldine Friedlander-Gabriel (Patrick 'Richard' Gabriel); children: Frank (Duke) Yazzie Jr. (Rhonda Marchand), Desmond Yazzie (Janelle Bearcub-Yazzie), Naomi C. Yazzie (Brian Moomaw), Angelia Cummings (Kekoa Cummings) and Benjamin Joseph Campbell (Savannah Andrew); 18 grandchildren; siblings: Yvette I. Joseph, Andy Joseph Jr. (Lori Joseph), Monte Joseph (Debbie Joseph), Monica Joseph, Michael Joseph, Ricky Gabriel and Lisa Gabriel. And all her very many beloved friends.

Jennifer is predeceased by her father, Andrew Joseph Sr .; twin daughters: Judy and Jody Yazzie and grandson: Damien Joseph.

Burial Took Place at Nespelem Catholic Cemetery on Monday, December 21, 2020, a celebration of Jennifer's life will take place at a future date when the COVID-19 situation permits.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is assisting her family with services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com for Jennifer's family.