Obituary: Joan Franceska Wahto

Joan Franceska Wahto entered this world breech first — her twin arriving just moments before her, an entrance that foretold the extraordinary strength and vibrant spirit she would share with everyone around her. Joan and Jean were born on Jan. 2, 1952, in St. Ann’s Hospital in Juneau, Alaska, to Douglas and Doris Wahto. Joan’s final moments were as gentle and loving as her life itself — she left us peacefully, enveloped in warmth and affection, with her cherished Poppy by her side on March 27, 2026.

Joan Franceska Wahto

Joan grew up in Douglas, Alaska, and after graduating from high school, she traveled to Europe with her good friend, embarking on many adventures with a Eurail pass.

Joan was a force of nature — her courage and resilience inspired everyone who knew her. She survived many things that should have shortened her life. And no matter what, Joan’s spirit never wavered. She cherished her Finnish heritage, proudly sharing that Finns had Sisu — a word meaning tenacity, grit, bravery, and resilience — and Joan embodied every facet of that remarkable spirit.  

Joan’s working career started very young by babysitting, cleaning houses, ironing, and fishing during the summers with her dad on the FV Ace. Joan worked at the Alaska Legislature and then from there onto her dedicated career with the Alaska Marine Highway System, from which she retired. She loved her view from work, adventuring through the waters for years. She loved the water and could often be seen toting her portable kayak around to many different water destinations through Washington and Alaska. Always with a dog as her co-pilot and her camera at the ready, snapping many photos of nature and her expeditions.

Joan loved her family deeply, and even though Joan did not have children of her own, she had many nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her own. She was heartbroken when her beloved nephew, Thad Smith, passed away. She did not get over that great loss. She loved helping out her community, friends, family, but especially her cherished siblings, she was selflessly always there to help with whatever they needed. Her life-force, loyalty and huge heart fueled us!

Joannie was an animal lover. She was the best dog mom and she loved her dogs fiercely. They were her babies…Keekee, Ben, Willow, Karhu, Ace Snoopy, Tuta Moon and her special little Poppy Joe. They did everything with her, walking, skiing, hiking, boating…such lucky dogs!  She loved to talk about them so much, how smart and great and cute they were, she was so immensely proud of each and every one of them.  

And with that indomitable Scottish and Finnish blood in her, Joan was a great athlete. As with her dad and grandfather, they were called the “Flying Finn” because of their speed. She loved running, her face lighting up with joy as she raced through local competitions. Few could match her determination. She was an excellent soccer player, always giving her all on the field. Even just a few months before her passing, she would cheerfully ride her bicycle to the store, a testament to her adventurous spirit.

In her last years, she also became somewhat of a food influencer. Joan loved to cook for her family and friends and posted many pictures of her delicious tasty creations with the recipes on her Facebook page.

Our world is so much quieter without our Joannie in it. She was an outspoken critic of the current administration, and she let all her Facebook friends know this, and she was never shy about speaking truth to power. She was a warrior for peace, fairness, equality and justice, a true patriot, and she never backed down from that noble fight.

Joan is survived by her husband, Tom Atkinson; her twin, Jeannie Smith (Joe); her sister Janice Kutz (David); her brothers Doug and Denny Wahto (Linda), many nieces and nephews: TL Delaney, Myiia Wahto, Denise Bettge, Cindee Jones, Heidi Wahto, Tyra MacKinnon, Tamara Wahto, Elise Wahto, Gabi Wahto-Oliver, and Sophia Wahto. Many great nephews and nieces, and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, Shine and Catherine Balog and Gusti and Aino Wahto; her parents, Doug and Doris Wahto; her sister, Julie Wahto, and nephew, Thad Smith.

This is a quote from one of her friends, and it is so fitting for our Joan: “Joan suffered much and survived with grace to share with us how fun it is to live.”

There will be a celebration of life later this year.

As the Pioneers of Alaska say:  “We will see you on the trail!”