JoAnn (Enius) Mortenson
MORTENSON, JoAnn (Enius), age 85, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, peacefully passed away on August 16, 2025 at home in Sequim, WA with her family by her side. A dear wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother is now at peace.
A talented aspiring singer and musician in her youth, JoAnn played piano, accordion and clarinet and studied singing for years. When 17, the Minneapolis Star newspaper featured an article about her strong singing talent and potential.
At age 24, JoAnn married Philip Mortenson at Lyndale Congregational Church, Minneapolis, MN. They resided in three different states for Phil’s career, before settling back in Minneapolis to raise their children. As the years passed, JoAnn ensured their children were imbued with a deep love of song from a very young age. A wide range of tunes, old and new, played in the home, while she joyfully sang while tending to chores or tapping her toes.
An in-home daycare provider in Minneapolis for 22 years, many children and their parents held “JoJo” close to their hearts with families remaining in touch for decades.
Retiring with Phil to sunny Sequim, WA twenty years ago, JoAnn became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she sang soprano in the choir until vision loss reduced her ability to read music. Song was her joy and gift to all.
Known for her culinary skills and love of sharing a good meal, JoAnn left a treasure trove of family recipes that will be used for generations. And with a smile that lit up the twinkle in her Irish eyes, she loved a good party and thoroughly enjoyed throwing them for her friends and family.
A highlight of her life was when, at the young-at-heart age of 79, JoAnn fulfilled her lifelong dream of visiting Ireland. Her daughters and she had a grand time winding their way through its green hills and cobbled streets.
JoAnn and Phil were enthusiastic supporters of performing arts and, most recently, the Sequim, WA Olympic Theatre of Arts. A former member and past president of Philanthropic Educational Organization, International (PEO) chapter FY, JoAnn was inspired to advocate for educational opportunities for women.
Preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Mary Bell Enius, JoAnn is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Phil; children, Amy Christensen (Richard), Kelly (Ron Tschida), Ryan, and Adrienne (Scott Hill); grandchildren, Travis Christensen (Erin), Joseph Tschida, Erin Tschida, Kieran Hill, and Aidan Hill; and, 3 great-granddaughters, Sarah, Leah and Mary Christensen.
In accordance with JoAnn’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will take place in the future to gather, sing, and joyfully honor her life and contributions.
JoAnn’s family would like to acknowledge the sensitive and outstanding care of Assured Hospice of Port Angeles providers. If desired, friends may make contributions in JoAnn’s name to Sequim Trinity United Methodist Church Music Program, 100 North Blake Av, Sequim, WA 98382.
