KELOWNA, B.C. – Surrounded by her loving family, Joan died peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2009 having lived graciously with Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
Left with precious memories of a life given for them are her devoted husband of 54 years, Mac, and their children Malcolm (Patti Mallia), Ian (Theresa) and Melanie Grant (Jim). She was a loving and caring grandmother and will be deeply missed by Ian, David, Andrea, Laura, Maria, Anna, Stuart, Erin and Katie.
Joan was born the youngest daughter to John William and Georgie (nee Roy) Fraser on February 21, 1929 in Westville, Nova Scotia; she was always proud of her Maritime roots. After graduating from high school in 1947, Joan moved to Montreal to start her nursing career. She became a Registered Nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1950 and then transferred to the Montreal Neurological Institute for post graduate training, working with the world renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield. She always fondly referred to her time at “the Neuro” and enjoyed the fellowship of patients and the other nurses. She seldom missed a class reunion and until recently kept in contact with her classmates. Joan met a young dental student in late 1953 and she and Mac were married in June 1955. They moved to Kelowna, BC where Mac started his dental practice and Joan gave up her nursing career to raise her three children. Joan suffered from arthritis for most of her adult life but never complained about the pain or the restrictions it placed on her. She loved to knit, garden, cook and travel, but her husband, children and grandchildren always came first. Joan will be missed and remembered by everyone whose lives she enriched. Our family is truly thankful for the wonderful care and support Joan received from all the staff at Brookhaven Care Centre in Westbank. Special thanks are also due to Collette Henczel for her tender care given to Joan as she helped guide us all through Joan’s final journey. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 12th at p.m. at the First United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6P6, with Rev. Karen Medland officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Church Memorial Fund (address above) or to the Arthritis Society of Canada, 393 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E6.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting
www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
Phone 250-860-7077.