Joanie Morrison at her retirement party. (Photo credit: Ch’nell Amos)
After nearly five decades of unwavering service, Swedish Edmonds celebrates the retirement and 49 years of service of a cherished member of the health care team: Joanie Morrison. Joanie’s remarkable journey with Swedish is testament to her dedication and compassion, and part of a legacy that continues through her family.
In 1975, the then 18-year-old Joanie began her career at Swedish Edmonds (then called Stevens Memorial Hospital) as a labor and delivery LPN scrub nurse. After nursing school, she worked in many different units, including pediatrics, postpartum, and med surg, before a home in OB care in 1983.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joanie's personal life is interwoven with Providence Swedish Edmonds; all her children were born here, and her daughter, Jennifer, continues the family legacy of working at Providence Swedish.
More recently, Joanie witnessed a special moment during the birth of her grandson at Providence Swedish.
“What’s interesting and miraculous about the birth of my grandson is that the doctor who delivered my grandson is the son of the doctor who delivered my son,” said Joanie smiling widely recalling this special moment.
“Dr. Ron Bray delivered my son in 1986. Then, three years ago his son, Dr. Jeffrey Bray, delivered my grandson. These are the kinds of stories those of us who started at Stevens Hospital, and now Swedish Edmonds, have and cherish.”
In honor of Joanie’s retirement, we sat down with her for an intimate Q&A session to reflect on her remarkable career and the enduring impact she’s had on the community.