Joan Price JONES

JONES, Joan Price
June 25, 1926 - Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
September 3, 2015 - Calgary, Alberta
Joan Jones of Calgary passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the age of 89 years. Joan was a generous and joyful person with a deep faith and a profound love for her family. She was born in England in 1926 and grew up knowing hardship but would often tell stories of the good times and how her parents struggled to raise four children in difficult circumstances. She always counted her many blessings and was especially appreciative of the simple and natural things in life. Her father died when she was just 14 and this meant her having to leave school and go to work. During the Second World War she was called up to work in a factory as a welder to support the war effort. She lamented her lack of secondary education but bravely returned to college later in life and obtained a diploma for educating people with cognitive disabilities. Her love and commitment to those in her care was extraordinary. She believed in their right to happiness, and included song and dance (two of her great loves) in her teaching. She dedicated herself to their wellbeing and was much loved. During this time she raised her only child (Simon) as a single mother following the dissolution of her first marriage. Her deep and abiding Christian faith helped her through this difficult time. Joan subsequently found happiness with her dear second husband Dennis who supported her career and her passion for sports. Joan was proud of her son Simon and every member of her family. She and Dennis visited Canada many times and were closely involved with their grandchildren whom she adored. She moved to Canada at the age of 80 and embraced a fulfilling life here. She often reflected on how happy she was at the Fountains of Mission senior's residence in Calgary, and on how much she enjoyed her friends and the wonderful staff. A life-long card player, she enjoyed whist and bridge throughout her life. She was a patriot, a loyal monarchist and a supporter of women's causes. Joan was thrilled to become a great-grandmother in 2013 and lived to see two of her great-grandchildren. Joan taught us all to savour the moment, to selflessly pray for others, to laugh out loud and count our blessings. She was predeceased by her loving husband Dennis Jones, her dearest friend Carol Cray, and her brothers, Terry, Dennis and Desmond. Joan is survived by her loved ones: her son Simon and spouse Jennifer, her granddaughter Nicola and spouse Neil, her grandson Tom and Alicia, great- grandchildren Erika and Julia and dear Margarita. Her niece Julie and husband Steve, and nephew Roger and spouse Jane also recently visited from England to attend her 89th birthday celebrations. She has been described as 'one of a kind' and her memory will be cherished by her family and many friends in both Canada and England. Joan's family wishes to thank the kind staff at the Chinook Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Joan Jones, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.