We Remember
JOHNSON, Joan Margaret (née Duncan)
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It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the family of Joan Johnson announces her sudden passing at the age of 81 years. Joan suffered a massive stroke and passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 with loved ones by her side.
Predeceased by her loving husband of 39 years, Murray Neil Johnson (1999), Joan will be forever remembered by her three children and eight grandchildren: Paul (Margaret), Jesse, Madison, Nicholas, Lauren; Allison, Evan, Justin; Colin (Brandie), Scotia and Ainsley. Many lasting friendships were created along Joan’s life journey and she will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her extended family and countless friends.
Joan was born to Ronald Ray Duncan and Sara Isabelle Duncan (Briggs) in Port Alberni, BC on October 6, 1938. Joan spent the first few years of her life in Bamfield, BC, and later moved with her family to Vancouver. After graduating from King Edward High School, Joan enrolled in the Fine Arts program at the Vancouver School of Art and this is where she met her future husband and love of her life, Murray. Joan continued her education to become an elementary school teacher; a job of which she loved and taught primarily grade 2. Murray and Joan married on April 21, 1960. The newlyweds moved to Cranbrook where they started their family, and over the course of the next few years they moved to Prince George, Vancouver, Vernon and finally settled in Kelowna in 1978. Within each community they lived they gained lifelong friends.
Joan loved her life and lived it well. Her smile and infectious laugh could brighten up anyone’s day. She had a kind and generous nature, wonderful sense of humour, loved dinner parties with family (lasagna) and friends (theme nights), enjoyed travelling the world and spending endless days on the dock at the family cabin on Okanagan Lake. She enjoyed singing in her church choir, daily walks with her dog (Kirstie), photography, movies and reading. Above all, Joan had a profound love for her family and would do anything for them.
To adhere to COVID-19 protocols, a private interment service for immediate family members will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 with Reverend Ivy Thomas officiating. It is such a strange time to grieve the loss of this wonderful woman without her many family and friends being able to gather. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by scrolling down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
We were so saddened by Aunt Joan’s passing, though so grateful that she lived such a rich, full life filled with family and friends. Our prayers are with you cousins during this time of grief. We may not be close by, but you are definitely in our thoughts.
-Dustin, Nancy, Ali and Katriana
Thanks Dustin, our mom loved all of her family very much. I’m sure you and your family’s hart hurts as much as ours does.
Thank you for your condolences.
We are so sorry for your loss. Joan was such a great lady and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.
The Soderlund family
Thank you very much for your condolences Nola.I know my mom enjoyed her working relationship as much as her friendship with you.
Joan was a special friend in my life for many years. We spent many years working together in International Education and then kept in touch for lunches and coffees, until just the last year or so. I have so many wonderful memories of Joan and know how much she loved her family. You will all miss her so much. Please accept my deepest sympathy to all of you. With love, Nola
Dear Johnson Family; I send my condolences to you on the sudden death of your dear Mother. Joan was a kind, gracious, fun and humble lady and we have so enjoyed her in the St. Paul’s choir and Church for many years. We will miss her so. Love and prayers for your family. Beryl Baldeo
I am sending my condolences on behalf of my Mom Carol Ward (nee Naughty/Harris)…and my entire Family including myself and my brother Glen Harris…Paul, Alison and Colin I am so sad for your loss. Your Mom was a lovely lady and to this day I still referred to her as “Auntie Joan” even though she told me that I could stop calling her that many times!…My Mom, my “Auntie” Sheila Johnstone were friends since grade school and it is amazing that the three of them have remained friends for over 70 years!…I was also honoured to be invited to escort my Mom to Paul and Margaret’s wedding and we shared some fun family times and stories..I hope that you will hold on to the wonderful memories and wonderful times that you shared with your Mom…as I have said she was a wonderful lady with a wonderful smile….I am attaching a photo that was taken up “Little Mountain” of our Moms…from what I understand they were approached by a photographer to get their photo taken….I will treasure it always….I hope all of you take care during these difficult times xo
Thank you for your thoughts and condolences Diane. My mom sure loved her best friends. The friendship and love she had for your mom and Carol and the duration of their friendship is truly a rare thing these days. All the best to you and your family.
We are so sad to hear of the sudden passing of our sweet neighbor, Joan. Through the seven years we’ve lived on this Court, we chatted regularly when she walked by with Kirstie.
We will miss her. Please accept our condolences, The Fabian Family
Dear Paul, Allison, and Colin,
We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a wonderful person. We have such fond memories of her and your dad of special times shared together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families at this time.
Love,
The Vicaretti Family
Thanks so much for your thoughts and condolences Tony and great to hear from you! Our family’s sure made some great memories and I think some foggy ones to thanks to your dads wine. Hope you and your family are doing well. All the best!
Dear Joan Johnson family. On behalf of my children; Nolan Belanger, Kelly Belanger , Lenora Wickenheiser and myself, we would like to send your our Love and sympathy for the loss of your mum. My son, Nolan spent many hours with Paul in your and her home. Joan was highly respected by us. May Joan rest in peace. My prayers and thought s go out to each of you. Myrna White
Dear Paul, Allison & Co;in
We were so saddened t read of your Mom”s passing . We shall miss seeing her & chatting at the symphony concerts . Our thoughts & prayers are with you
To Joans’ family. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, I have not seen her recently but the last time I did she had that wonderful mischievous smile and a twinkle in her eye. I met her many years ago when she worked with the Kelowna MP’s. I was always such a pleasure to do not only do business with her but also feel that genuine care she had for people. The world was a better place because of her!
Dear Paul, Allison and Colin,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I often think about those times when I was young and visiting your home next to OKM. Your mom was always so kind. One childhood memory I have is when Colin and I would sit on the floor in the living room and listen to your mom’s Abba records. She always made me feel welcome and at home – so many good memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was so sad to hear of Joan’s passing and feel so blessed to have had her in my life. I can’t think of her without remembering her beautiful smile, her genuine warmth, and her hearty laugh. I feel so fortunate to have seen her this past winter in Kelowna. Paul, Alison, Colin, and all of your families: our hearts are with you all.
Dear Paul, Allison & Colin – How truly sorry I was to learn of your Mom’s passing 2 years ago. My husband, Terry passed away just a month before Joan. Many years ago in Vancouver there was a group of us who would have dinner parties & go camping together at Cultus & Skaha Lakes where we would waterski behind Terry’s boat…so much fun! I have a picture or two I could share with you if you like. My son Brad & his family now live in Kelowna. I am so sad not to be able to reconnect with Joan. She was such a wonderful lady & I have missed her newsy emails these past couple of years. Take care & reflect on the happy memories.
Hugs to you all from Joan McGiveron