Joan Winnifred Massa (Brook) born 25 February 1927 passed away peacefully at The Summit on December 21, 2021. She was predeceased by her daughter Pam in 2012, her grandson Donald in 1980 and her partner of 20 years, Blair, in 2019. She will be remembered by her daughters Lesley Morrison (Bill) and Betty and her son Doug (Val); grandchildren Christopher (James), Mary, Jennifer (Kale), Amanda, Pauline (Mike), Becky (Max), Gordon (Heidi), Katie, Topher (Elysia), Gregg and Richard, Mike, Deanna (Josh) and Tia; great-grandchildren Keelan, Jaxson, Henry, River, Isla, Ivy, Loclan, Eden, Haddie, Marcella, Norah, Piper, Little Max, Leo and Hailey and Bella. She will also be remembered by friends and extended family, including Kris (Bob), and cousins, nieces and nephews in Alberta.
Mom was born in Calgary, Alberta and raised in Ardenode (Strathmore). She graduated from Holy Cross Hospital in 1949 and nursed in Cardston, Bermuda, Vancouver, Kitimat and Victoria. She retired from Glengarry Hospital in 1989. Mom was a caring and compassionate nurse, loved by her patients and respected by her colleagues.
Mom was a role model to her entire family. Her strength and her positive attitude will continue to guide her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren through their lives. Christmas was not Christmas without going to Grandma’s house to decorate cookies or make gingerbread boys. This tradition continues.
Next to her family, mom loved animals and always had cats and dogs in her life; if not living with her they came to the house with her children and grandchildren.
“Mom your smile touched us all and will live with us forever.”
Special thanks to everyone at The Summit who cared for her, especially reception and staff of Eagle House.
The family will gather in the summer to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BCSPCA in her memory. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
-
Jeff Bectell
-
Pauline Ashley After reading all the lovely tributes to Joan I am hoping I can express my love and condolences as well. The number of times I visited Joan over the years is too many to figure out. Joan was always so welcoming and visits were more special every time I was there. Her love of animals was always obvious and we had many a talk about our life experiences with having and loving our dogs and cats.
Life will go on and Joan will be sorely missed. I know myself that the memories I have of visits to Victoria and being with Joan, will always be a source of happiness for me
Pauline(Kearns) Ashley
-
Karen Lee Losing a mother is such a loss. Your mom was a strong, loving and caring person – this beauty of character shines on in the family she so clearly loved.
May you find peace and comfort as you remember this very special woman, and in the knowledge that you are in the thoughts of many friends.
-
Janet and Mark Lang Lesley and family,
We feel honoured to say that we knew your mom, even if only slightly. Always enjoyed visiting with her when she came to Kelowna. We will remember her always as kind, caring and thoughtful, and always with a smile. Our thoughts are with you all and know how much she will be missed.
Mark and Janet Lang
-
Myrna Schwagly Joan was a co-worker, mentor and friend. She has a special place in my heart because she introduced me to my husband.
My condolences to the whole family.
-
Darren & Shelley and family She was such a beautiful, perfect human and blessed our lives, especially Dads for 20 years. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined a better person to come into his life. We loved her so much and she will be missed, but I’m sure she’s got a cat on her lap and a pup by her side. We will miss this beautiful angel
-
Janet Brook To Leslie, Betty, Doug and each of the family.
You are each in our thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Joan will be missed so much. I feel so blessed to have so many good memories of Aunt Joan through all the years. Joan’s smile and my Dads smile are so alike. I can see Joan laughing at one of Dads many jokes and having so much fun together
Remembering all the wonderful times on Pender Island with all of our families and Grandma and Grandpa Brook.
Janet Brook
Love, thoughts and prayers, from all of us here.
-
Mary Kearns Trace So Very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. We only met once while Pauline Ashley & I were compiling the KEARNS family history. What a lovely lady. She will be missed.
Joan was a wonderful person. We enjoyed visiting with her and Blair whenever they were here at his place. The kids enjoyed the Halloween treats she would give them before returning to Victoria and taking kittens over to show her. She was gracious and kind and had a fun sense of humour with Blair. We are grateful to have known her. Thanks for sharing her with us. We know she will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Jeff and Liz Bectell and family