Lieutenant Nursing Sister
Joan passed away peacefully at Broadmead Lodge after a full and rewarding life, just short of her 98th birthday.
Joan was born in Edmonton, AB, graduated from Royal Alexandra School of Nursing in 1940. She served overseas in England, Belgium, and Holland with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, then moved to Victoria after WWII, married Frank N. Thomas (deceased) and was a long time resident in Fairfield.
Joan held many executive positions with the Nursing Sisters’ Associations; the Ex Service Women’s Br. 182-Royal Canadian Legion; Secretary-Treasurer for the Royal United Services Institute; Member – Board of Governors of Canadian Corps of Commissionaires and volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross and YM/YWCA.
She received many honours, such as, representing the Nursing Sisters in Holland at the 55th anniversary of the Canadian Liberation of the Netherlands; the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; Commendation from the Minister of Veterans Affairs for her exemplary service to Veterans. Joan was also part of the team that organized 2 memorial plaques in Veteran’s Memorial Park, Langford, B.C. honouring all women who served their country in the Armed Forces during WWII.
Joan was a remarkable woman who always helped others, loved the outdoors, YM/YWCA Hiking Groups, the East Sooke Cabin, and spending time with friends and family.
Predeceased by brother Guy Packford (Edmonton).
Lovingly remembered by her 3 sons, Norman, David (Cathy), Peter (Jennie); 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Hutchison; George Rigley – special friend for over 40 years and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Cridge Centre and the Broadmead Lodge for their exceptional care and compassion. We also thank family and friends for their love and support.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25th at 1:00 p.m. at McCall’s Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver Street, (Johnson & Vancouver Streets), Victoria, B.C. Date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Canadian Red Cross or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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JoAnne Botten
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Jill Wake My condolences to the family. I hope that your many happy memories will help you through this difficult time of loss. What a great age she lived to – and what a life full of experiences that she led.
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CATHY HILLAM PRAYING FOR FRIENDS TO COMFORT YOU,,FAITH TO UPHOLD YOU AN LOVING MEMORIES TO COMFORT YOU..///WHAT PRECIOUS MEMORIES WITH GEO AN JOAN,, MET IN MEXICO AN HAD YEARS OF TRAVEL AN ADVENTURES TOGETHER.. THEY CALLED US THEIR CALIF KIDS.. THEY WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.. LOVE AN PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. CATHY AN DAVE HILLAM
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Jill Oliver To Joan’s family, some of you who I have met.
I remember fondly my visits to Joan in Victoria. Joan was a wonderful host and tour guide to myself and friends from NZ, always making our visits so enjoyable. Joan had a very successful nursing career and family life, one to be very proud of.
Best wishes to you all at this sad time.Jill Oliver Dunedin, New Zealand
( My father Tim, and Joan were cousins)
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Chris Ward A wonderful, caring lady. She was respected and loved very much by her extended family here in Peterborough, U.K. Our thoughts are with Norman, David and Peter and their families at this sad time. With love Chris and Maurice
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Brenda Austin Sincere condolences to you
A beautiful tribute to a life well lived by an amazing lady!!
Her legacy lives on in her family whom she fully adored!
We are grateful to have known such a kind, generous and loving soul.
She will be missed by many!Love and hugs
John, Brenda & Cam
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Sue Packford Mccoy We are so sorry to hear of Auntie Joan’s passing, our thoughts are with you. She was a remarkable women of great strength, she was always so proud of her family. Hugs Sue Packford Mccoy & Kelly Mccoy, Branden Majeau & family, Becky Warner & Rick Nash
Our condolences to the family. My sister Marlene and I grew up on Linden Avenue and have many fond memories of the family. More recently, I often saw Joan at the YMCA with her swimming pals. One day I was visiting my Dad at Broadmead Lodge and talked to Joan. Hard to miss her lovely smile and beautiful white hair! She lived to an incredible age and certainly had many wonderful experiences during her lifetime. Our best to the boys and their families.
Marlene Dahl and JoAnne (Dahl) Botten