Joan Margaret Mackenzie

MACKENZIE, Joan Margaret (Dunn) Born April 13, 1951, passed away peacefully in her home on December 5, 2010. Beloved mother of Mary, Henry and Rob (Nia), grandmother of Nathan and Leo, companion to Ian Booker, daughter, sister, mother-in law, aunt and friend. Throughout her life Joanie showed us the true meaning of authenticity, continually giving new significance to the phrase doing it my way". She created warm and beautiful homes for her family and will always be remembered for her mischievousness, sense of humor, kindness and generosity. She loved gardening, sewing, preparing delicious meals, reading, laughing and spending time with her family and friends. Joan was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to Victoria at the age of 12. She attended Oak Bay High then went on to earn a teaching degree from UBC. Joan completed her practicum in England. Returning to Victoria she married Sandy Colquhoun. Their son Robert was born in 1979. Following their separation Joan and her infant son moved to Barriere where Joan taught before relocating to Victoria. Joan and David Mackenzie gave Rob a brother, Henry, in 1984 and a sister, Mary, in 1991.The central theme in Joan's life was her children. From the time of their birth, each was cherished. Always an individual, Joan gave her children the gift of respecting their own uniqueness. They in turn provided her with unconditional love and support especially through the difficult days and months following her diagnosis of cancer in May of 2010. With the selfless assistance of her children and her companion, mother Margaret Dunn, brother Jim Dunn, sister Elizabeth Dunn, beloved friend Janice McIntosh and caregiver Brenda Heise, Joan was able to transcend this life knowing she had done her absolute best. A memorial will be held on Sunday December 12 at McCall Bros. Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver St. at 2pm. Flowers are welcomed as they brought great joy to Joan's life, please send or bring them to McCall Bros. 612017