Obituary
Joan Mary Dunn was born in Revelstoke, BC on January 7th, 1930, the second daughter to Saima Elizabeth Dunn (nee Hill) and Willard E. Dunn, and sister to Lenore. The Hill (Ylisea) family were Finnish immigrants who pioneered the family farm at Gleneden and the Dunns emigrated from Ireland and the Isle of Mann. The family lived in Albert Canyon where Willard was employed by the CPR as a Tunnel Master. Mom’s fondest memories were of she and Lenore riding the steam engine up front with the conductor from Albert Canyon to Revelstoke, where their grandparents lived. She graduated as Class Valedictorian from the Salmon Arm High School Class of 1948, attended Normal School in Vancouver and became a teacher.
In 1957 Joan married Frank Oben and they built their home on Lakeview Drive which mom lived in until 2018. Summers were spent on Shuswap Lake onboard the Lazy O and the cabin at Sunnybrae next to the Marshalls and the Ladners. In 1977 when Dad retired, an Airstream trailer arrived and that was home every winter in Mexico until Dad’s passing in 1987. Mom continued to go to Mexico every year, staying at the same hotel, with the same staff and the same friends, going to the same restaurant that was her and Lenore’s favourite, until her last trip in 2019.
Joan was an avid reader of English Literature and poetry, had a keen eye for art and loved music (and the odd mariachi band), was an avid gardener and traveler. Her sanctuary was home, the beach her escape, and granddaughters, her pride and joy.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Nicole (Rob) Marshall, granddaughters, Katelyn and Kerry (Steve) and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, sister and husband.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022 @ 1:00 pm at Bowers Funeral Chapel with Jack Bowers officiating. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salmon Arm SPCA, Salmon Arm SAFE Society or a charity of one’s choice.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Levins, Dr. Osmond and the staff at Park Place Picadilly for their kind and compassionate care.
“…we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong on will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” -Ulysses by Tennyson
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Mary Oben January 7 1930 November 5 2022 (age 92)..
Death notice for the town of: Revelstoke, Province: Colombie britanique