February 1, 1924-October 11, 2015
It is with great sadness that Joan’s family and friends mourn her passing at the Campbell River hospital at the age of 91. The daughter of Williama nd Susanna Bender, Joan was predeceased by her parents, her husband Thomas (1996), her daughter Jeanne (Ed) Sharkey (2002), her daughter Marg (Rick) McKee (2007), her brother Norman (2013), her nephew Mathew Bender (1990). Surviving Joan is her daughter Cathy (Ron) Skalk and her son Thomas (Gina) Larnie. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Michele Rusch (Skalk), Terrie Skalk, Cory Wilson, Wanita Wilson, Dwayne Wilson, Conor McKee, Taylor Larnie and Madelyne Larnie, 8 great-grandchildren, and nieces Susanna and Jacqueline Bender.
Joan was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. The family moved to West Vancouver when Joan was very young. The family later moved to a fish camp north of Prince Rupert, as her father was a bookkeeper for the fishing company. The family moved back to North Vancouver when it was time for Joan to start school. Joan married Thomas in 1946 and subsequently moved to Campbell River. The rest of her life was spent there enjoying bridge, gardening and an occasional glass of wine.
No service by request. Thank you to the LPN’s and care aides at New Horizons Care Corp and Campbell River General Hospital doctors and nurses for their excellent treatment of Mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joan may be made either to Alzheimer Society of BC or the BC Lung Association.
And so the girl
With the auburn curl
So easy to remember;
Like purple heather
In Highland weather
Or roses in December.
