Joan Marsh Obituary

MARSH, Joan September 15, 1924 - December 22, 2020 A long, full life has come to an end. Joan Marsh (Smith) died peacefully at home at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Barney and brothers James and Brian. Surviving Joan are her daughter Alison Paton (Lonnie), son Colin, and grand-children Lesley, Chelsea and Gavin Paton. Joan was born in Eskdale, England to James and Elisabeth Smith. She graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Aberdeen in 1949. She worked as a doctor for a couple of years before joining the RCAF and immigrating to Canada in 1951, to London, Ontario. While practicing medicine on the base in London she met Barney and the two were married in 1952. They were posted to Europe and to various bases in Eastern Canada and while living in Montreal from 1964-1968, and having 2 young children, Joan completed her psychiatric training at McGill. Joan and Barney moved to what would be his last posting in 1968, Winnipeg. There, Joan worked as a Psychiatrist at the Veterans Hospital, Deer Lodge, for 14 years, until she retired. Upon retiring, they moved to North Saanich where they built their final home and joined the local Garden Club, the Victoria Dahlia Society, and Joan became part of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Auxiliary for more than 30 years, serving as President on 2 different occasions. No service by request. Donations to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation appreciated.

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Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jan. 2 to Jan. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Marsh

5 Entries

Teresa aThom

February 1, 2021

We knew Joan for many years as members of the Victoria Dahlia Society. She was a real character with an infectious personality. Always had words of wisdom to include with any Dahlia conversation. Very knowledgeable on the subject, and a wonderful mentor. Joan lived a full life, and we will always have fond memories of her. With Sincere Sympathy to her family.
Phil & Teresa Newton

Barry and Mary Willoughby

February 1, 2021

We knew Joan for over thirty years and will never forget her involvement together with Barney for many years with the Victoria Dahlia Society. She was a member for many years and was always involved well into her nineties and after Barney passed. A life well lived.

Eleanore, Brian, Paula and Aron Johnson

January 16, 2021

Joan, you were my surrogate mom ♥ after my own passed.
Brian enjoyed every moment we had with you, especially your dry wit.
You became the favourite "Aunt" to our children. They always looked forward to seeing you.
You and Barney hold very special places in our family.
Know that you will be missed but never, ever forgotten. We love you now and always

Jean Van Wyk

January 5, 2021

That’s a great picture of Joan, just as I remember her! And, of course, her response to the question “ how are you?”
Miserable as always!
She was a true character in a wonderful way.
She will be missed.

Kelly english

January 4, 2021

Rip Joan. You were a great neighbor on chalet drive. I will always remember fondly helping you out at the saanich bazaar

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