Joan, Joanie, Aunt Joan, Mrs. Orchard, Mrs. O., Gramdma Joan passed away unexpectedly at the Peach Arch Hospital August 22nd, 2005.
Joan was born June 21, 1923 in Princeton, B. C. and grew up in many BC locations including Sointula, a place which held many pleasant memories for her.
She graduated from John Oliver High School and completed her teacher's training at Normal School. Joan's teaching career led her to McBride, BC where she met her future husband Wesley Lewis Orchard.
Wes predeceased her in May of 1999. Joan is survived by her children Margaret Campbell, Marilyn Westling (Ken), John Orchard (Laura) and Kerry Orchard (Leona) her brother Peter (Barbara), cousin Darwent (Felice), sisters-in-law Winnie, Joan and Mary and her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Joan will be missed by her good friends Margie, Erma, Edna and Glen.
Joan was a teacher all of her life and continued to expand her mind and that of those who she touched. She was always ready to listen and was interested in everything her family was doing. While following the exploits of her family Joan studied topics ranging from the Littlest Pet Shop pets to diamond mining to nuclear radiation research.
Joan was a tallented musician and played any instrument that came her way. She was particularly devoted to the piano whether playing for the Saturday night dances in McBride, the many students who had the pleasure to have her as a teacher, the seniors she entertained in retirement homes or her family and friends in her home.
Joan was not to be interrupted when her "lads" from Manchester United were playing. Her love of football was infectious and her family took a keen interest in the results of the latest premier games.
Joan was a "cookies and milk' Grandma. She delighted in visits from her family and always had some of her "baked love" at the ready. Her cards and letters with special treats will be missed. Joan's family gathered on Saturday August 27th, 2005 to say a last goodbye to a special lady.
At Joan's request no service was held. She was remembered with a donation to the Knowledge Network, Doctors Without Boarders, BC Lung Association and Amnesty International.