Joan passed away at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on June 30, 2016. Born on August 2, 1949 in Halifax, N.S. Joan fought a long and difficult battle with COPD – Emphysema and died very peacefully with family at her side.
The younger daughter of Alfred and Jean Kerley (deceased), she is survived by her loving, devoted husband, Richard of 37 years. Lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jennifer (Thoran) and Kerry (Steve); her older sister, Jan MacRae, and extended family and friends. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Aleah, Jada, Mackenzie, Adam, Ryan, and Toni, the youngest, who Joan was thrilled to see walking for the first time the day before her death. She had a passion for her poodle dogs, in particular Shadow, Parker, and Chase.
Joan enjoyed the many trips that she and Richard did, and was especially thrilled with their trips to Europe. She loved Italy, especially, Rome. Joan was a wonderful cook and enjoyed hosting family dinners and huge staff parties. In particular, she fondly remembered a family dinner that “everyone” was invited to and she had a sit down dinner for over 50! She loved her home in Brentwood Bay and put her touch on everything, especially the garden that is beautiful.
A very special thanks to the Peninsula Palliative Care Unit for their wonderful care over the past 4 years. Special mention to RN Kathleen LeBlanc for her dedicated home visits, Dr. Aaron Young, Dr. Telen Harper, Dr. Jennifer Manklow, Dr. Jovic and Dr. Leah Norgrove.
Joan was able to stay at home during this long illness until her last two weeks. She then went to SPH Palliative Care Unit where she received wonderful kind and compassionate care. Our sincere thanks to all RN’s, LPN’s, Drs, and volunteers. You were all amazing.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
18 Responses
Dear Dick,
Grania and I were shocked and saddened to hear about Joan’s death. How quickly all these years have gone by… We have many happy memories of our times with you and your brothers. What a crushing loss and such a difficult journey… We are thinking of you and sending our best thoughts and wishes.
Love Michael and Grania Litwin
Rich, I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I know she was ill for some time and the end may well have been a blessing. I was out of town at the time of the service and am sorry to have missed it.
Joan and I go back a long time as you know and we started working together in the late 60’s. What a wonderful woman! Cherish your memories of the great times you had together!
Take good care……..Bob Smith
Dear Richard, Kerry and family, Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. Joan was a blessing we will all miss. It is a blessing that she is now at peace. You have your memories of her, to live in your hearts. I personally will always have memories of the fun we had at the staff parties, her wonderful laugh and her kindness to me. Sincerely and with love, Marilyn
Gordana Vuckovic
July 6,2016
Richard & Kerry, My sincerest condolences,thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Gordana
Rob Latter, Kruger
Richard, on behalf of all of the employees at Kruger, we offer our sincerest condolences.
Rob Latter/Pat Cook
Richard & Family
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family on Joan’s passing
Kerry and Family
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I have just retired as a teacher from Stelly’s School, and I will never forget you and Joan taking business ed courses that I was teaching in my early years. I remember the two of you showing up together on the first day as mother and daughter students. You were such a wonderful addition to the class and you made everyone’s experience so much better. What has stayed with me was Joan’s incredible kindness, her lovely sense of humour, and her patience. Joan would always have a twinkle in her eye and a knowing smile when the teacher made mistakes or the computers of the early 90’s would crash. That has always been a lasting memory for me.
My thoughts are with you.
Tim Storm
Dear Richard,
Sincerest condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.