We Remember

STANLEY, Betty Joan
April 9, 1934 — June 12, 2024
Betty “Joan” Stanley passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 12, 2024, at the age of 90. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert; children Kerry Logan (Bill Walraven), Craig (Heather) Stanley, Gayle (Michael) Riendeau; grandchildren Sean Logan, Quinn Logan, Kyle (Cassidy) Wardlow, Quinn (Alison) Wardlow, Kendra Stanley (Damian Nielsen), Brett Riendeau, Chad Riendeau, and Brenae Riendeau (Tom Troyer); great-grandchildren Kallen & Maddex Wardlow, Lilah & Evalyn Kilback, and Luca & Daxton Nielsen; and many extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her twin sister Annie “Jean” Nelson (d.1980); her father Fritz Nelson (d.1982); and her mother Alice Nelson (d.1996).
Born and raised in Maidstone, SK, Joan’s life journey was marked by her passion for teaching, music, and community service.
Joan began her career after attending Teacher’s College in Saskatoon, SK. She taught in Neilburg and Marsden before settling in Kerrobert, where she met and married Robert Stanley. Joan taught in Kerrobert for 22 years, 1957 – 1960 and 1966 -1985, during which she touched the lives of countless students as a Grade 4 teacher and music educator.
Upon retirement, Joan and Robert relocated to White Rock, BC, and later settled in Kelowna in 1991, where they enjoyed their golden years together.
Joan was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 60 years, serving with distinction as Grand Matron. She was also actively involved in the Retired Teachers of Saskatchewan chapter in Kelowna, maintaining lifelong connections with her colleagues and friends from the teaching community.
Music held a special place in Joan’s heart, and she had a remarkable talent for playing the piano and organ by ear. Her musical abilities were generously shared with others through volunteering, particularly with the Alzheimer Support Group in Kelowna, where she provided entertainment that brought joy to many. Joan had a wide range of interests outside of music and teaching. She was an avid sports fan, passionately following the Saskatchewan Rough Riders football team and the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. In her leisure time, Joan enjoyed stimulating her mind with crossword puzzles, playing cribbage, and taking leisurely walks.
Her culinary skills were renowned among family and friends, who cherished her delicious cooking, baking, and homemade preserves. Joan’s warm hospitality extended to hosting gatherings and enjoying long, meaningful conversations over the phone with loved ones.
The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of the BC Cancer Agency Southern Interior for their care over the years and the staff at The Vineyards Residence for their kindness and compassion over the last five months.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at the Kerrobert United Church, 320 Lanigan Street, Kerrobert, SK. Interment will follow at Kerrobert Cemetery.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm
Location
Kerrobert United Church, 320 Lanigan Street, Kerrobert, SK
Thinking of all the family at this time of loss. Sending condolences and prayers🙏🏻🙏🏻
My sincere condolences to Bob and families on Joan’s passing. May all your memories be a comfort to you at this time ❤️🙏💙
I have fond memories of laughter together with Joan in the staff room at Mary Rodney School & being neighbours across the lane in Kerrobert. It was also a joy to be guests in their new home in White Rock BC in 1986 when Expo was on in Vancouver.
My Sincere Condolences Bob & Family
Joan was very kind and always said a cheerful hello to me. Her music was wonderful addition to our meetings and we were blessed to have her. She even wrote a theme song for me once. I am very sad that I won’t be able to spend any more time with her and wish my sincere condolences to her family and friends during their grief.
To Joan’s family, I’m sorry this is belated but I did not learn of her passing until now. I am the daughter of George and Bernice Edwards (both deceased) previously from Marsden, SK. Joan boarded with them when she taught in Marsden, they extremely fond of her, in fact my middle name is “Joan”, named after her. My Dad kept in touch with her up until his death in January 2023, and always visited with her when he was in the Kelowna area. He would have been very saddened to hear of her passing and I send sincere consolences to Bob and family on his behalf.
Debbie (Edwards) McArthur
Stouffville, ON.