Joan BURTON

BURTON Joan Bell Burton, January 11, 1922 - August 24, 2004. Joan Bell Burton, the eighth of nine children, was born in Edmonton to Maud and Frederick Moroney. She grew up in Edmonton and graduated with the equivalent of grade 13 in 1939. Shewas one of the first women in Canada to enlist, joining the Canadian Women's Army Corp. She met and married her Bill (William Donald Burton, 1924 - 1973) in 1942. When he was posted overseas, she moved to Vancouver, where she lived, except fora five-year sojourn in Victoria, until shortly before her death. She joined the war effort as a civilian stenographer in factories in Vancouver, and her letters to her husband written during their lengthy separation are a vibrant description of life in Vancouver for a young woman anxiously awaiting her soldier's return. As a wife and mother, she guided her husband and steadily growing family through the fifties and sixties. She was an excellent household manager 'doing her budgetbook every day', seamstress, cook, and gardener. She was a good friend and willing volunteer for her children's many activities. In her sixties, she travelled to Scotland and England, Europe and China. She was an avid reader, especially mysteries; she did the crossword in ink; and she enjoyed bingo, black jack and crib. She was always good for a card game, she sang the songs of the 30s and 40s, and, in spite of missing Bill keenly for over thirty years, she maintained a zest for life. Left to remember her are her six children, ten grandchildren and a great-grandchild, her "in laws" as well as many others whose lives she touched. She goes at last to join her beloved Bill, all of her brothers and sisters, and "Momma", to gather around the eternal piano and sing the old songs. Messages may be sent to W Burton, 48033 Briteside Road, Chilliwack, BC V4Z 1H2