Joan Beatrice Gardener (1937-2021)
On December 21, 2021, we lost a truly amazing woman. Wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, Joan Beatrice Gardener was the steady hand, the core, the light, and the foundation of many worlds. And it was with such heavy hearts that we, her children, came together to try to find the words that would honour her life, her heart and her spirit (and the fun, we couldn’t write this without the fun).
“Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross,
To see a fine lady upon a white horse;
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, And she shall have music wherever she goes.”
While usually attributed to Mother Goose, this will always be Mom’s nursery rhyme (and oh how she loved nursery rhymes). Being born in Banbury, England on April 2, 1937, gave her a sort of proud ownership of this tale, and as such, she would recite it with happiness and a warm smile. It will forever echo in our hearts and our minds.
One of three children, sister to Michael and Elizabeth, growing up in war-torn England (Did you know they didn’t have electricity?) wasn’t easy. While Mom lived through food rations, air raid sirens, bombs and pure terror, there was a sense of gratefulness that reigned over her memories, which she was proud to share.
In the late 50’s, Mom, along with our eldest sister, moved to Canada where she continued to grow a loving family in British Columbia and Alberta. In her work life, she was a consummate team member with various organizations throughout the years. Hard-working, dependable, and with impeccable grammar, she was a mentor to so many.
When she met her husband, Don, in the mid-80’s, we knew she had finally met her soulmate. With him, she settled into a life of joy as they travelled and explored the world. Along the way, they found a home away from home in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. They loved it so much that when it came time to leave, missing passports and random delays would sometimes give them an excuse for an extra night to enjoy their holiday.
While the English language and the Scrabble Dictionary (which is not cheating, apparently) have many synonyms to use for witty, generous, loving, gracious and kind, she will always be remembered as the confidant you could always turn to, your greatest cheerleader and an incredible role model. She was not only there to make sure we had everything we needed, but she was the glue that kept our family together through happy and tough times. She always had a kind word for others and she refused to swear no matter what the circumstance. She was our Queen after all.
Mom, you will be desperately missed by everyone, and as we move forward through our lives, we will carry you in our hearts forever.
Offer Condolence for the family of Joan Beatrice Gardener 1937 – 2021
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Beatrice Gardener 1937 – 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique