We Remember

DAVIDSON, Joan

June 17, 1934 — March 2, 2023

Lila Joan Davidson passed away on March 2, 2023, in Kelowna, BC. She was predeceased by her parents, Aili and Henry Davidson. Joan is survived by her daughter, Tannis (Keith Meikle); grandson Kalevi; brothers Robert (Joan) Davidson and William (Charlene) Davidson; and nephew Ken Davidson and niece Tori George.

Joan was raised in Thunder Bay, ON and was a teacher in Burlington, ON and Toronto, ON before moving to Kelowna in 1974. She was an individual needs teacher and worked for many years at Lakeview Elementary, A.S. Matheson Elementary, and later at Sylvan Learning. Generations of students, parents, and teaching colleagues will remember her unwavering dedication to the profession.

Joan loved travel and spent her youth skiing her way around the world: first as a ski ambassador for Thunder Bay on an extensive US tour, later as an instructor in Europe, where she famously hopped on a sheikh’s helicopter to fly to Switzerland to give a lesson.

Joan developed many connections in Kelowna, including in the Big White skiing community, Ogopogo Swim Club, and at the Women’s Place. Her outgoing personality and love of entertaining naturally led to hosting many spectacular parties. She had countless friends whom she showered with her boisterous energy, wicked sense of humour, and generous spirit. Joan loved being the centre of attention and would demand this, if necessary. Always the fashionista (before the term existed), she was tastefully attired for every occasion. This, along with her uniquely opinionated, yet fun-loving character, made any encounter with Joan instantly memorable. She was a bijou force of nature.

At Joan’s request there was no service, but there will be a summer party in celebration of Joan’s life in due course.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the BC SPCA Kelowna.

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BC SPCA Kelowna Link: spca.bc.ca/locations/kelowna

 


 


Condolences

  • Robynn Robertson says:
    March 24, 2023 at 12:53 pm

    Tannis & family,
    My sincerest condolences to all of you in the passing of Joan. Her obituary described her perfectly. Joan didn’t age gracefully, in fact, she didn’t age at all! I worked with Joan at Sylvan Learning for several years. She had retired from the school district, but wanted to continue teaching on a part-time basis, Joan cared immensely about every student who had the opportunity to work with her at Sylvan and those students cared deeply for Joan. I admired her greatly. She was tenacious, opinionated, dedicated and the best dressed person on staff! She absolutely was the center of attention. Joan will be greatly missed.
    Robynn Robertson, former Center Director at Sylvan Learning Kelowna

    Reply
  • Caroline Hill says:
    March 25, 2023 at 8:38 am

    I knew Joan from having the same personal train at The Woman’s Place. She wears so proud of you Tannis and your family and would tell me all about you and your lives. She will be missed

    Reply
  • Al & Sallie LaBounty says:
    March 28, 2023 at 8:02 pm

    Rest in peace, dear Joan! We so remember and appreciated Joan’s involvement with The Kelowna Ski Club and its Racing events! She was a big supporter and Tannis was a competitor with our boys. She certainly “gave to the Community”, on many levels. Our most sincere condolences to the family.

    Reply

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