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January 1, 1933 - April 26, 2019
On April 26, 2019, Joan passed peacefully from this world. She took her last breath in the arms of her loving family and Norman, her beloved husband of 66 years.

Joan was born in Edmonton, Alberta, the youngest of seven children. Her childhood was spent in Alberta. After doing a nurses' aide residency in Lethbridge, AB, Joan moved to Trail, BC and worked at the nearby Rossland Hospital. One of her favourite patients mentioned that she had five sons and Joan could take her pick. Joan always said that she fell in love with Norman the minute he walked through the door. It was a love that would endure for 66 years and Joan believed that her life truly began the moment she met him.

Joan and Norm moved to Port Hardy in 1959 and quickly laid roots in their 'castle by the sea'. The door was always open, and Joan was ready with a pot of coffee, a deck of cards, a meal whipped up at a moment's notice and a hug. She had a quick wit, a willing ear, and her baking was second to none.

Joan volunteered for many years with the local Women's Auxiliary - she devoted countless hours to the Port Hardy thrift shop and looked forward every year to the annual Christmas toy sale. She also volunteered with Girl Guides. In 1989 Joan was awarded Citizen of the Year.

Joan is survived by her husband Norman and their five children: Mickey (Rose), Patricia (Eric), Sandra (Brett), Darlene (Butch) and Carol; grandchildren: Crystal, Katrina, Benjamin, Amanda, Angela, Julie, Karla and Bradley; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Predeceased by grandchildren Darren and Elizabeth. She was a wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, auntie and a caring friend to all who knew her.

Some of Joan's most precious memories were of time spent with family, friends and Lucy-girl at their cabin "Fir Haven". We cannot begin to express our gratitude and appreciation for the care that Joan received in her final days. Thank you to nurses Kelcey, Lara, Andrea and Jody. Dr. Howard Lee - the kindness, compassion and dignity you showed our beautiful Joan will never be forgotten.

Please join us in celebrating Joan's life on Saturday, June 1, 2019, 11 am at the Port Hardy Lions Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cat's Meow Rescue, or BC SPCA.

No more your face to look upon

or your beautiful smile to see

Though deep inside my heart I know

You still reside with me.

When the sun casts down its golden rays

That's when I see your smile

Then rain drops fall just like my tears

And my heart aches for a while

A rainbow in the sky appears

With a beauty of its own

And on the breeze, I hear your voice

It whispers you're not alone.



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