It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Joan was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain tumour) in October. She was brave and met each challenge with grace until her final moment. Her wish was to spend more time with her thirteen grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
Joan was born in Burnaby, B.C. to Helen Crawford (nee Nicol) and Andrew Crawford of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Glen Crawford and sister, Andrea Drought (nee Crawford).
Joan moved to Victoria, B.C. in 1953 at the age of six. She grew up in Oak Bay and attended Oak Bay High School (Grad Class of ’64). Joan was an avid swimmer and swam competitively with the Victoria Amateur Swim Club (VASC). It was during her time at VASC that she met her future husband, Gordon (Gord) Alexander.
Joan attended the University of Victoria to study Education. She began teaching in 1968 at George Jay Elementary School. Joan loved working with children and made many life-long friends throughout her teaching career.
Joan retired in 2006 to travel and be a full time Grandma. Joan and Gord enjoyed many adventures together. Joan loved going on cruises and spent memorable holidays in Alaska, Europe, Australia, and across Canada. She and Gord never missed an opportunity to travel with their children and grandchildren. Joan especially cherished family trips to Disneyland, Maui, Parksville, Bamberton and Lake Cowichan. Joan’s grandchildren were her priority and she always welcomed them with open arms and no judgements. She was fiercely proud of them and they adored her. It was a common saying in our family, “There is no place like Grandma’s house.”
Joan is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Gord Alexander; her children, Jeanette (Marc), Bruce (Robyn), Pauline (Mike) and Joanna (Ty); her grandchildren, Catherine, Dane, Aubrey, Caroline, Spencer, Owen, Hayley, Grace, Will, Jordan, Evelyn, Zoey and Julia; brother-in-law, Kelvin; nephews, Nick and Zack and niece, Brenna. She will be greatly missed by many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Joan may be made to Victoria Hospitals Foundation at: www.victoriahf.ca
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
June 10 1947 December 3 2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Elizabeth Alexander nee Crawford June 10 1947 December 3 2022..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique