Joan Kathleen (nee Graham) passed away peacefully, after a long and happy life, in the early evening of July 13th, 2009 at Parkwood Court in Victoria, B.C. She was predeceased by her loving husband (of 59 years), Angus and is survived by their son, Brian (Jill); grandchildren, Stephen and Caroline; brother, Colin (Sylvia); brother-in-law, Ian (Margaret) and cousins, Ann Nation (George) and Gill Nelles. Born in Vancouver, B.C. on February 28th, 1919, “Joannie” always fondly remembered her early years with her cousins and many school friends attending Crofton House School and Bishop Strachan School in Toronto. Joannie travelled in Europe after finishing school in Brussels, Belgium. A life long passion for ballet brought her back to Vancouver and then on to New York where she had wonderful memories of dancing with the Metropolitan Opera and Ballet Company. The pull of family and friends brought her back to B.C. and she began residing in Victoria and working for her father, the well known and respected, Dr. Colin Graham (Kathleen). It was there that she met Angus, who was briefly home on leave from the Navy. They married after the war. Joannie had a long life as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Boating with family and friends and volunteering for many worthy organizations all combined for a full and rewarding life. Joannie will be deeply missed by her family, relatives and many friends and will always be remembered for her kindness, concern for others, cheerful warmth and ever-present smile. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Pat and Yolanda; the staff at Carlton House and Parkwood Court, Dr. Ted Rosenberg, Anne, and Vikki. They all worked so hard to make the final period of Joannie’s life as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 in the Lady Chapel, Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, B.C. at 2:00 p.m. A short reception at the church will follow. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation , B.C. and Yukon Division.
-
Arleen Stokes
-
Ted Izard Brian, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. However, she lived to a very respectable age. I remember her as a wonderful mother.
I have many fond memories of time spent with you and your parents when we were young.
Do you remember the time that your mother asked your father about the conversation he had had with an Oak Bay police officer? Apparently, your mother had been stopped by the very same officer that morning.
-
Brett Morgan Brian & Jill
Brian
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing I can stil remember, her charm and cordiality . My thoughts are with you
.Brett
-
Pam (Davis) Elliott Dear Brian,
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. We lost ours last year and understand that although they lived long and very full lives it truly is a loss to those of us left behind.
I remember your mother as a very beautiful, warm and caring person. I loved coming to your house on Ardmore.
What a delight to read about her life. When you are young you often only see adults as mothers and fathers, seldom even considering that they also had ‘other’ fulfilling lives.
Please don’t reply, I just want you to know I care. Sincerely, Pam
-
Bill and Wendy Brown Our thoughts are with Brian and family. Joanie was always so gratious and both she and Angus great friends of our family.
Bill and Wendy Brown
When I spoke to my father-in-law today on the telephone (Oct. 23) I asked him if he had heard how Joan was managing at her new residence. I was very surprised when he said he thought she had passed away (Dick is over 100 years of age now.) When I checked the computer, naturally I was very shocked. When I visited and stayed at Carlton this past spring and over the last 2/3 years — Joan Kenning, another Joan and Dick and I would share conversation over various meals. Joan Kenning was such a gentle person and I looked forward to our many meetings. I send my sincere condolences to the Kenning family. Arleen Stokes