Bainbridge resident Joan Helen Werter, age 76 died Aug. 13 at Harrison Hospital from complications due to lung cancer.

She was born June 30, 1926, in St. Louis to Merrill and Mabel (Becker) Baker. She graduated from Fremont High School in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1944.

On June 13, 1953, she married Don Werter in Las Vegas, Nev.

She worked as an administrative assistant with the South Bay Union High School District in Hermosa Beach, Calif., and at Clapp School in Huntington Beach, Calif. She retired in 1988 after 20 years.

She was a talented watercolor artist.

She is survived by her husband, Don Werter, of Bainbridge; a daughter, Deborah Werter of Redwood City, Calif.; a son, Jeff Werter and his wife, Deborah, of Antioch, Calif.; a brother, John Baker of Laguna Beach, Calif.; two sisters, Wanda Penn of San Rafael, Calif., and Patricia Wolf of Los Angeles; and grandchildren Brian and Laura.

At her request, private services were held.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel.

Remembrances may be made to the American Lung Association of America, 2625 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98121, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2383, Bremerton, WA 98310.