It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Joan Carolyn Irvine (née Conrad) announce her peaceful passing on August 10, 2021 at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 45 years, Neil; children: Jill (Cody), Jerilyn (Rob), and Tyler; five grandchildren: Allison, Peyton, Charlie, Parker, and Caleb; her brother, Lindsay; along with numerous relatives and many friends.
Joan was predeceased by her parents: Lloyd and Maybelle, and granddaughter, Anne.
After retiring as a Supervisor in Child Protection with the Government of Alberta, she enjoyed extensive travel with Neil (over 50 countries and six continents), spending time at the lake, golfing, and watching her grandchildren grow.
Through her cheerful and positive attitude, she made us all better people. How lucky are we to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard? Joan, you were the light in every room and your always loving smile will be deeply missed.
We would like to thank the Sturgeon Community Hospital, Cross Cancer Institute, and the University of Alberta, specifically Neurosurgery and Unit 5D4 for their compassionate care and support.
A Celebration of Joan’s Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1N3 . In light of ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the family requests that attendees wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Lisa says
Neil and family,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Joan’s kindness and beautiful personality will never be forgotten. She took me under her wing as my supervisor when I first started at North Central and I am a better social worker because of her. She was smart, compassionate and always talked fondly of her family.
I will miss her.
Sincerely,
Lisa Mudryk
Art and Jane Morris says
We will miss Joan so much especially Art, with their ongoing “back and forth”. May the fond memories help to “numb” the sadness. Lean on family and friends for support.
Cecile Schultz says
Sending heartfelt sympathy as you grieve Joan’s passing and celebrate her life. I hope your precious memories comfort you at this sad time.
Holding your family in my heart with love and prayers,
Cecile Schultz
Kathleen Shaw says
It is beyond words to express the sadness and shock of Joan’s passing. When I think of her all I see is her beautiful smile, I hear her distinctive and infectious laugh. Joan was a true light in many dark situations, and a wonderful teacher…always! For all of us who were graced to cross paths with her, we are blessed. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Joan will be missed, but never forgotten.
Ann Dean says
Dear Neil,Jill,Jerilyn,Tyler and Grandkids
My heart is broken for your loss and for the loss of all of us who loved her. Joan was so very easy to love.
It was like she walked this earth with a magic wand trailing love and light and all things beautiful behind her.
Rest well dear friend…never forgotten
Kathi Campbell says
I had the privilege of hiring Joan as a supervisor and working with her when I was the manager of the North Central site. Joan would light up a room with her beautiful smile and twinkly eyes. In difficult and challenging times she always reminded us of what was important, the children, youth, families and staff. Everything else was secondary. Joan had a great sense of humour and we shared many laughs. Joan loved her family dearly and proudly spoke of all of you. She will be missed. “Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” – Unknown
Alejandra says
Joan, you were always kind and such a beautiful soul. My condolences to your family and friends as well as the family at CS.
Janeen McKiel says
Dear Neil and family,
I have so many fond memories of Joan when I worked with her at North Central. Joan was a class act who never made you lesser when you needed to ask a question or get advice. She spoke so often of her family and when she spoke of her grandchildren her whole face lit up; she loved her family dearly and that was evident in everything she said. Joan’s presence, spirit, joy and energy will be missed. We are all greater people for having known her.
Sincerely,
Janeen McKiel
N. Robinson says
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Sobeys Staff says
On behalf of the staff at Sobeys Beaumaris we want to offer our sincerest condolences. We loved seeing her amazing smile in the store. She will be missed
Ken Gurski says
Sorry for your family’s loss Neil. I didn’t know Joan well but on meeting her only a few times, she left a lasting impression of caring and kindness.
Donna Hamar says
Sending deep sympathy to Neil and family. A great loss of a bright, cheerful, generous soul. How greatly the family will miss her.
Lawrence says
We are so sorry for your loss. We are so glad to have known this lovely woman and her awesome family.
Joan is with our Lord and us smiling with his Angels. Marlene
Joyce Armstrong says
Sincerest condolences Neil and family. Joan certainly was a gem. All of these comments are testimony to the positive impact she had on everyone she met. You were so well matched for 45 years, Neil.
I remember her delightful laugh, and her dedication to her job and the families she worked with.
Cherish every hug as you grieve.
God bless.
Joyce
Shirlee O'Neill says
Our sincere condolences to Joan’s family. Our connection was through synchronized swimming.
Shirlee, Brooke, Blythe
Ken and Susan Panylyk says
So sorry for your loss! I always loved it whenever Joan was around as she always made everyone feel so welcome and comfortable with her smile, sparkling eyes and warmth! 💓💗💓
Ly says
I worked with Joan many years ago. I vividly remember the day that I ran into Joan at a mall with my newborn. Joan asked how I was doing and I complained about being tired, baby not sleeping etc and Joan looked at me and said “enjoy your baby because they grow up so fast”. It was one of those light bulb moments. To this very day when I see a young tired mom with a baby I think of Joan and those very words. Thank you Joan for being that wonderful person. I will miss your smile. Although I have not seen you in many years you have left a lasting impression on me. Someone as special as you will never be forgotten.
Garry Rentz says
My sympathy to you and the family. It’s beyond difficult to lose a soul mate, particularly one who has been by your side for many years.
Gerry Laing says
Neil & family,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. My deepest sympathies.
Angela Padovani says
Dear Jerilyn, Our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother. Please extend our condolences to all in the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May fond memories of her give you some measure of solace. Blessings, Angela and Andrea Padovani
Joanne Irwin says
So sorry for such a significant loss. I worked with Joan when at Northgate even though we were in different ministries. She was fun, easy going and focused on service excellence. I always appreciated Neil for being an amazing leader at the helm of the ministry I work in. Joan and Neil you have touched many people and made a difference. I send my deepest condolences to Neil and the family at this difficult time.
Trish Gillis(Devlin) says
Neil and family,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I had the privilege of working with Joan at White Oaks many years ago. Joan was one of a kind! An amazing lady! Her smile lit up the room, She was funny, kind and compassionate. Truly a beautiful person ❤️ Blessed to have known her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trish Gillis
Val Krenz says
I was deeply saddened to hear that Joan has passed away. I had the very good fortune to teach all three of Neil and Joan’s three wonderful children. Joan was such a lovely person! I extend my deepest sympathy to Joan’s family. I now how much she will be missed!
Neil Irvine says
Thanks very much Val. That means a lot.
Maria Giordano says
Neil, Jill, Jerilyn, Tyler and families,
We are so saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. Joan was such a kind and joyful person to be around. She will be greatly missed. May the all the beautiful memories you have help to bring comfort in this time of great sorrow.
Love Aldo and Maria Giordano
Joan Thompson says
Neil and family. I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I just met her once at the high school reunion in Saskatoon a few years ago. Since then I’ve followed your Facebook posts, wonderful travels and times with your grandchildren. It is clear she had a good life, was loved by many and will be missed greatly.
Neil Irvine says
That was nice. Thanks very much Joan.
– Neil
Kim Spicer says
Neil and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Joan as a colleague for many years. She always brought out the best in everyone she worked with. I so enjoyed hearing about how her family was doing, she radiated happiness every time she spoke about you. My thoughts are with you all through this difficult time. Joan will be greatly missed.
Alex Stewart says
Neil,
I am very sorry for your loss. I first met Joan way back when I was the federal manager at the Canada Alberta Service Centre at Argyll and Joan was with AFSS. She quickly became a trusted and valued colleague. Of course, you and I did as well. The two of you were among a small group of the best people I had the privilege of working with. My condolences.
Alex
Tina DiCesare-Dragon says
Neil & family.
I’m so sorry to hear about this sad news. My deepest condolences. Joan will be deeply missed by so many.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Tina DiCesare-Dragon
Crystal Hoekstra says
My sincere condolences on your family’s loss
I was a fellow adoption supervisor with Joan at Children’s Services. We had so many laughs and planning sessions about kids and families.
We also shared a love of travel and shared so many exciting travel stories over the years.
I pray you will find some peace and heart healing in the wonderful memories you hold of her.
Be well
Crystal Hoekstra
Anna K. says
I had the pleasure of working with Joan while she was at the North Central office. She was like a second mom to me after I had lost my mom and I am thankful for that. Her energy was like no other person I have met, so positive and compassionate to those around her. Not a day went by that she didn’t talk about her family and she spoke so proudly of all of them. She was the one who started calling me Anna K., and whenever I hear someone call me that now, I think of Joan. Sending thoughts and prayers to Neil, Jill, Jerilyn, Tyler and families! Joan was amazing and had a huge impact on many peoples lives!
Neil Irvine says
Thanks Anna K. Joan Aston spoke fondly of her relationship with you.
Sharon Shulhan says
To the Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and my sincere condolences . Joan, was simply the best and a kind human being.
John & Dolores Buie says
Neil and Family
We are saddened to hear of Joan’s passing and offer our heartfelt condolences. Joan was such a kind and gentle person who cherished her family. Remember all the good times.
Karen Cathrea says
Neil and family….. Joan was a beautiful person and a beautiful soul. I loved working with her at the Canada Alberta Service Center. We had so many laughs, she will be truly missed….
Dennis and Jackie Machney says
Hey Neil. Jackie and I are so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Great lady. I’ll always remember her always present smile and of course her laugh. We were all very fortunate to know her as a co-worker and for a short time neighbour. Take care Neil
Neil Irvine says
That means a lot Jackie/Dennis. Although it’s been a while , we always recalled our friendship with the two of you with a smile. We would recall curling with you when Jackie was 10 months pregnant!
Andrea. Abram says
A charismatic Camelot couple whom within their realms bestowed upon others dignity, integrity,serenity and compassion.
Rita Banga says
I had the pleasure of meeting Joan while employed at the North Central office. She was a joy and definitely had a wonderful spirit. She spoke often of her family and children.
I am saddened to hear about this
Rest in eternal peace and condolences to the family