We Remember
STURN, Joan Darlene
August 6, 1941 — October 28, 2024
Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Joan Sturn (83) courageously left this life, on her own terms, with the love of family surrounding her at her home, on October 28, 2024. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Jaci (Sylvain) Guignard and Lisa (Michael) Wilson; her grandchildren whom she was so proud of, Amélie & Jolie Guignard and Simon & Molly Wilson; her dear sister, Teddy, as well as many extended family members. Joan was widowed by her late husband, Bill Sturn, in 2008.
Joan was born in Vancouver, BC to the late Cliff & Doris Spafford. She attended John Oliver high school, where she met her future husband, Bill, in Grade 11 math class. Together they studied at UBC to become educators and taught in many small towns throughout BC. Kimberley, Smithers and Terrace were significant places they lived, raised their daughters, experienced many adventures and developed cherished friendships.
They finished their careers in Lillooet, where Joan spent her retirement gardening, volunteering in classrooms, reading, walking, entertaining by their pool, RVing and travelling the world. In Lillooet, Joan was affectionately known as one of the “bag ladies.” With their golden lamé bags in hand, she and her friends scoured the town for cans, donating the proceeds to support local charities.
Five years after Bill’s passing, Joan moved to Kelowna to be near her daughters, grandchildren and sister, Teddy. In Kelowna, Joan continued with her interests and treasured her time with her family watching her grandchildren at their sporting activities, being together for Sunday dinners and making memories during family excursions near and far.
To her last days, Joan was fun-loving, gentle, kind-hearted, active, musical, eager to participate, and a true life-long learner. We will miss our beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
No formal service will be held. Those wishing to, may make memorial donations, in memory of Joan, to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Alzheimer Society of BC Link: alzheimer.ca/bc
Condolences
Joan was such a kind and caring person. She came and volunteered in my classroom, reading with my Grade 1’s. We always had such lovely conversations and we shared the love of singing. She made such a positive impact on myself and my students. Joan, you will be missed. ❤️❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. Joan was a wonderful person. We met through St. Vincent de Paul Society
Jaci and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother and grandmother. May you find comfort in your memories of her, and may her legacy continue to bring you peace in the days to come.
Thinking of you and sending love during this difficult time.
I read about Joan’s passing with a heavy heart, but recollections of her earlier life and how she met Bill brought a smile.
Though I only met her on a few occasions, first at Mike and Lisa’s wedding in 2003 and on a number of occasions she visited the UK I remember her as being an interesting and thoughtful person.
Joan seemed a calming match to Bill, who was larger than life and made my visit to British Columbia complete. They were quite some team.
I also fondly recall going out on one of her bag lady missions with Mike one afternoon in Lillooet and collecting discarded cans from the roadside. Her drive in this endeavour was impressive and something that has lead me to undertake for myself from time to time. Though not with Joan’s diligence and resolve. Or indeed a gold lame bag.
It is without doubt that Joan, and Bill made a mark on this world in their all too brief time here. They both enjoyed life and made other lives they both touched a better one. That’s all we can ever ask.
I know Joan will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her, and my thoughts from a very distant North Yorkshire go out to Lisa, Jaci, Teddy and the wider family.
Dear Teddy and family; I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s death. Sending hugs and much love to you all
Please accept our condolences. Bill and Joan were long time residents of Lillooet. My mother in law used to play cards with Joan every week. She would like to reach out to the family via mail. Are you able to send me a mailing address that I can share with her? So sorry for your loss, Joan was a lovely lady. Christ’l Roshard
Sincere sympathies to Joan’s children & their families on the loss of mom & grandma. And to Teddy & families on the loss of your dear sister & auntie.