JOAN FROST

Joan Frost (née Carter) died peacefully at home in Vancouver on Oct. 9, 2025, 11 days before her 110th birthday. Her beloved John predeceased her in 2007, after 62 years of happy marriage. The world is a duller place with her passing. Left to remember her joy-filled life are her four children, Nick (Suzy), Lindsay, David (Marcia), and Alix (Chris); her five grandchildren, Richard (Susy), Daniel, Anna, Ted (Olya), and Brendan (Bea); and great-granddaughters, Catherine, Aneira, and Lily. And countless other family and friends. She was born in Hampshire, England, to Lillian and Lionel Carter, joining older brother, Gilbert. Her career at age 19 began as publicity director at Elstree Film Studios, where she had rich experiences with famous stars. During WWII, she became a WAAF Sergeant and eventually a Flight Officer in the British war film branch. Canadian Surgeon-Lieutenant Cdr. John Frost "started a flame in her heart" in 1941. Married in 1943, she returned with him to the "wilds" of British Columbia in the spring of 1945. After a year in Victoria, John became a General Surgeon at St. Paul's Hospital, and their long lives in Vancouver began. Her first devotion was to her children, and support of John's career. She served on many volunteer committees and enjoyed a rich social life with many friends and family. When John retired, she began a new career as a cooking instructor, including the well-known "Happy Hostess" classes designed to help anxious hostesses - and hosts! - relax and enjoy sharing meals with guests. She also wrote cooking articles for the Vancouver Sun, The Province, and other weekly papers and magazines. She was a grandmother ("Gamma") extraordinaire. She and "Poppa" spent many happy years with their grandchildren, particularly at their beloved Thetis Island summer home. She told them countless stories of her early life, including tales of her many "pre-Poppa" boyfriends. Some of the stories they even believed. The family is so grateful to the caring Coastal Health staff who helped Joan meet her daily needs for years. And for the empathic home care of Dr. Rusnak in her last months. But especially to daughter, Lindsay, and dear family friend, Marguerita, who enabled Joan to live the best ever "aging-in-place" life. When asked the secret to her long life, Joan would answer: Love and Laughter! (and her rum and pineapple before dinner!). Her joyful spirit touched all who met her. She will be deeply missed. Her Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 20th, at the Stanley Park Pavilion. All are asked to wear a touch of shocking pink to honour her colourful personality.