WILLIAMS, Joan Frances (née Panton)

March 25, 1923 — July 25, 2024

Born to Leonard and Helen Panton in North Battleford, SK, Joan was the fourth of four children. She had an older brother, Jim, her twin brother John, and a middle sister Mary. The family moved from North Battleford to Kelowna, BC in 1936 where Joan lived her teen years to the fullest.  She moved to Winnipeg to study Interior Design at the University of Manitoba. A year later Joan met, and married Herbert “Herb” Williams and they started to build an amazing life together in Winnipeg. They had 3 children (John, Pam, and Tim) and were active and valued members of the community, supporting multiple charities and initiatives.

Joan always loved acting. When Tim started school, Joan did the same, enrolling in acting classes and joining the Manitoba Theatre Centre. From that point on, there was no stopping her. The roles got bigger and better, and she shared the stage with some of the greatest actors to have performed in live theatre in Canada.  Joan also found roles with the CBC radio drama department, musicals at Rainbow Stage, numerous TV commercials, and television productions.

By 1975 Joan had had enough of Winnipeg winters so she and Herb moved back to Kelowna. Never one to rest on her laurels, Joan decided Kelowna needed a professional theatre company and was the founding artistic director of Sunshine Theatre. Sunshine produced at least four summer theatre productions annually from 1977-1995, many starring Joan or directed by her. The venture was a resounding success and Joan’s efforts as founder were recognized with the 1984 Woman of the Year award (Kelowna), the keys to the city 1986, The 2002 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan in 2015.

Although Joan loved acting and directing, they were always secondary to the love she had for her family and friends. That special love will be sorely missed by those who knew her and loved her. All from the Panton, Gordon and Richards clans were near and dear to her heart. She had a wealth of close friends, most of whom predeceased her, including her long-time traveling partner Judy Smith. Joan loved to travel, whether to Turkey with Judy, Europe with her daughter Pam, or Australia, Mexico, and Hawaii with Herb and family and friends.

Art, books, and dogs gave Joan great pleasure. She was an avid reader, loved music, but not too loud, and was a dedicated CBC listener.  Joan was a passionate dog lover. Airedales and Welsh Terriers had a special place in her heart, but any dog would do.

Joan was always positive, and never a complainer. She survived cancer and multiple surgeries over the years.  Joan had 98 great years that were followed by a transition from independent living to needing assistance, with the final 3 years being very challenging for her physically and mentally. Through it all she had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and love in her heart.  She was always appreciative of the care she got from the wonderful and dedicated staff at Brandt’s Creek Mews.

Joan was a truly wonderful human being who cared more about others than herself. She had a grace that will never be replaced. Joan is survived by her children: John Williams (Marlayne), Pam Sherlock (William), and Tim Williams; her grandchildren: Claire Williams (Shane), Jesse Sherlock, and Joel Sherlock (Alexia); and her great-granddaughter Ella.  Joan will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her and to love her.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for September, with details to follow soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local SPCA, www.spca.bc.ca

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