Cecilia Joan McIntyre

With tremendous sadness, we announce the passing of our incredibly kind, gentle, loving mother and Nana.

Cecilia Joan McIntyre was diagnosed with late stage cancer on November 7th 2023. She was kept comfortable and cared for by the exceptional and compassionate team of nurses, doctors and support staff at North shore hospice in North Vancouver. She peacefully passed there on January 7th 2024 at the age of 82. She was surrounded in love, with her two daughters Mary and Elisse, by her side.

Cecilia Joan's life began on February 26th 1941, in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. She was born to Ronald Arthur McIntyre, and Mary Margaret Leask McIntyre, an older brother John (pre deceased) and younger brother Jim. She grew up in MooseJaw and spent the summers at their family cottage on Katepwa Lake in the Qu'apelle valley.

Joan attended Central Collegiate high school and transferred to Sionion Convent for her final year, graduating in 1960. Upon graduation, she received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1968.

During these years, her beautiful voice had her singing at weddings and in choirs. She conducted an orchestra in her musical studies and developed a fondness for classical music.

Joan began her teaching career in 1961. She taught elementary school in Regina and Calgary. Eventually leaving the Prairies for Vancouver, she and her new husband Jim Whiteside settled briefly in Vancouver.

There, she taught at Irwin Park Elementary school in West Vancouver.

Her husband's career took them back east to Ottawa, Ontario. Joan left her teaching career behind to do what she wanted more than anything, to be a mother.

She welcomed a daughter in 1972 and another in 1974.

In 1975, Jim, Joan, Mary and Elisse left Ottawa permanently and moved back to Vancouver, they settled near Edgemont Village in North Vancouver.

Her years in North Van were filled with singing in the choir at Highlands United Church, volunteering at her girls elementary school and hosting many

laughter filled dinner parties with close, dear friends.

She mentioned often, this was one of the happiest times of her life.

In 1985, Joan and family moved to West Vancouver. Joan enjoyed golfing, painting, gardening and many peaceful walks on Capilano golf course with her dog, Lady.

In 1998, Cecilia Joan became a grandmother for the first time. She had four more grandchildren over the years and her relationship with them was extraordinary. She found incredible joy in fostering a strong relationship with each one. She spent many weekends and evenings one on one with each of them. She took great care and time to research their favourite foods, set up their favourite games and activities and get to know them as much as possible. Nana always wanted them to know how loved, appreciated and special they were to her.

Cecilia Joan was other worldly in many ways. She had a profound depth of character and an ethereal beauty. Her paintings of flowers she left behind are a remarkable reflection of her true essence. Delicate and detailed with a whimsical innocence and grace.

She saw the exquisiteness in everything and everyone and loved so deeply.

She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Whiteside Lantz( Van Lantz) of Fredericton New Brunswick and Elisse Whiteside of West Vancouver

Her 5 grandchildren Treya, Jaron, Graydon, MollieBryn and Maria

Her brother Jim McIntyre and sister in law Cathy McIntyre.

Her nieces and nephews

Janet, Tim, Rob, Patty, Jeff, Paul and Jill and their families.

Thank you Mom, for loving us all so much. Your patient, loving presence, unwavering support and big beautiful heart were truly one of a kind and will be profoundly missed. Your Baking powder biscuits, mushroom tarts and chocolate cake will never taste the same without the magic and love you poured into everything you did.

We all love you so much

A celebration of her life will be held at Capilano Golf and Country Club

420 Southborough Drive in West Vancouver on February 24th 2024 at 4pm

The family wish to give a heartfelt thank you to the North Shore Hospice for their extraordinary compassion, kindness and care.

If wishing to donate in tribute to Cecilia Joan's, please consider the North Shore Hospice.