Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Joan was the first child of Bernard and Nellie Otter. She was their only child and pure delight for 7 years. She was a good student at Portsmouth Grade, and Roosevelt High Schools, and for one year at Pacific Lutheran University in Seattle. Level-headed, intelligent and astute, she was a hard-working employee from high school on. A chance remark by a friend lead to a career in the travel industry—for United Airlines, Pan American Airlines, and ultimately to her co-ownership of Apollo Travel Agency in Lake Grove with Linda Ward.Along the way, she happened to run into Sidney Pearson, who was in her class at Portsmouth. They married on July 11, 1958.

They lived in Pendleton, Oregon, for a few years where son Hobie, their lifetime joy, was born in 1966. They became horse owners while there, and Joan always marveled that they had the chance to ride.

Back in the Portland area, they lived in a house built to their design by close friend, Dick Franzke, where they could host friends and relatives in memorably wonderful meals and parties. Sid became owner of MerchAid, with Joan at Apollo Travel across the street. At retirement, they downsized to a condo. Sid died in 2009.

Family and friends were always central for Joan and Sid. After their fathers died, both mothers made their home with them as did Joan’s sister, Susan. Joan rejoiced to help both sets of parents’ vacation in Hawaii, and accompanied her folks on their trip to Europe.

Joan travelled the world, and viewed it all with wide-eyed wonder and appreciation. She was loving, humble, trustworthy and faithful in relationships with friends, co-workers, and family.

She is survived by her son, Hobie (Kris), sister, Susan (Don), and brother, David (Esther), plus nephews, nieces, cousins and their families.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in the Riverview Abbey Chapel. Entombment to follow in the Mausoleum.