Joan COPELAND

COPELAND _ Joan Mary (nee Beeson), born March 28, 1921, died peacefully on August 20th, 2004, in her bed at her beloved Redonda home, as was her wish, in the care of her loving family, compassionate palliative care workers and Dr. Marc Boileau. She dealt with cancer with her customary courage and exceptional grace and will be profoundly missed by family, extended family and life long friends in Canada, England and the United States. She was an exceptional woman who touched all who knew her, no matter their age, and always gave much more than she would ever accept. Predeceased by her loving husband Ernest and sister Rene Curtis; she is survived by her older brother Laurie (Gladys) who lives in England; sons Brian (Kerry) and Brent (Marjorie); and four granddaughters, Kristi, Kelly Van Hees (Todd), Jordan and Regan, all of whom she was so very proud; niece Pamela Ball (Allen) of South Slocan; nephews Clive (Allison) and Russell (Liz) Beeson of England; and nieces and nephews in Seattle and Vancouver Island; and lastly her constant best friend Tiki. She will always be remembered for her unconditional love. Joan was born in Surrey, England, and won a scholarship to the local high school where she matriculated and later joined government service in the Inland Revenue. During the war she met, and in l943 married, Ernie who was from Regina and a Warrant Officer in the Canadian Army stationed near Epsom where she lived. When she became pregnant, they decided they would like the child to be born in Canada so as Ernie was traveling to France shortly after D-Day, Joan traveled on her own by sea and then by train across Canada to Vancouver to meet and live with Ernie's family. Upon his return after the war, they settled in Vancouver and later in North Vancouver where they spent long and happy lives. She had a long and well-respected career with Air Canada and in her retirement years, enjoyed many hours working in her garden, which was her labour of love. Year in and year out, her flower baskets were a joy to behold for the whole neighbourhood. She always kept in touch with her special friends in England who were embraced as family and many visits back and forth were a source of constant joy. She never stopped learning and when travel became too much of an effort, she was an example to us all as she continued her visits via email. How lucky we have all been to have known her. We will cherish the memory of her style, grace and strength with respect and admiration. A graveside inurnment ceremony will be held at 2:00 on Sept. 3, 2004, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby. Reception following at 4:00 p.m. at 5005 Redonda Drive, North Vancouver. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Research Society in lieu of flowers would be gratefully accepted.