JoAnn Remacle, aged 73, passed away on November 30, 2025, at her home in Lewiston, Idaho, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Surrounded by family, JoAnn’s passing marks a significant loss for her loved ones and the community she served tirelessly.
Born on July 7, 1952, in St. Maries, JoAnn was the daughter of the late John Waters and Eleanor Papineau. She spent her formative years in Harrison, Idaho, where she developed a love for horseback riding and fishing. JoAnn was the eldest of four siblings, sharing her childhood adventures with two sisters and a brother.
After graduating from high school in Culdesac, JoAnn met Phil Remacle, whom she married in October 1970. While their marriage eventually ended in divorce, the two remained close friends, even traveling together in recent years. JoAnn maintained a strong passion for sports, particularly her favorite teams—the Rams in football and the Dodgers in baseball—alongside her admiration for golfer Phil Mickelson. Friends and family often recalled her enthusiasm for placing friendly wagers, regardless of the odds.
JoAnn was known for her remarkable memory, especially for important dates in the lives of friends and family, extending even to pets. She took immense joy in attending her grandchildren’s school events, from Christmas concerts to sporting matches. Christmas was a particularly special time for JoAnn, who was renowned for her elaborate decorations and meticulously planned meals. Her culinary talents shone during Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner, which were always delicious, and her enthusiastic gift-giving—especially during Black Friday shopping—will be fondly remembered.
While raising her family, JoAnn pursued higher education at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. She worked in various restaurants before making a significant career move: purchasing and operating her own bar and restaurant, The Camas Club, for over 20 years. JoAnn’s commitment to her community was evident through her active involvement in local events, such as planning the June Picnic and supporting organizations like the American Legion and Lions Club.
After selling The Camas Club, JoAnn settled in Lewiston, dedicating her time to family and volunteering at Elite Hospice. There, she assisted with gardening, yard work, and meal preparation for the families of patients, showcasing her compassion and commitment to helping others.
JoAnn is survived by her two children, Kimberly Collins (Shawn) of Boise and Curtis Remacle (Ann Marie) of Lewiston. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Kassidy, Noah, Dustin, Dalton, and Dakota, along with two great-grandchildren. Her two sisters, Carole of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Clara of Rathdrum, Idaho, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ron.
A celebration of JoAnn’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on January 17, 2026, at the Lewiston Elks Lodge, located at 3444 Country Club Drive in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Elite Foundation at 1370 Bridge St., Clarkston, WA 99403, to honor JoAnn’s legacy of community service.
