2017
Obituary Overview
Lovingly Remembered
Joan Gilbey (nee French)
Joan was born October 25, 1922 on her mother’s birthday in Sheering, England, the youngest of 11 children.
She grew up in the village, attended the village school, belonged to the local Girl Guides, and was active in all aspects of village life.
Joan worked in the village general store and post office where she met her future husband Leslie Gilbey, a Canadian soldier who was asking for directions. Their relationship grew over the next five years as their common leaves allowed.
She was drafted into the Army Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1943. She enjoyed barrack life, attended lectures, and went to many of the dances held by the Allies. She often spoke fondly of this time in her life, even mentioning seeing the Glen Miller Orchestra live at one of these dances. She recalled one dance she went to where the Americans were talking about pumpkin pie, something she never tasted. After trying it, her comment was “I don’t really fancy that”, and never served pumpkin pie to the family ever again. She was one of the lucky ones able to stand outside Buckingham Palace on VE day.
Joan and Leslie were married August 4, 1945 at the village church in Sheering. Joan moved to Montreal as a war bride in 1946 to be with Leslie in the hopes of providing their family with a better life. She embraced the Canadian life, but never got used to the cold. She became a Canadian citizen in 1972.
Joan kept a close connection to family in England. As Leslie worked with Air Canada, the family was able to go back to England for family reunions, which over the years, grew to the point where they had to rent the village hall. Those ties remain to this day.
Howard was born in June 1946. Wayne followed in November 1950, and Janice in March 1957. They lived most of their life in Montreal. After Leslie’s retirement in 1983, Joan and Leslie moved to Edmonton to be closer to their children, 9 grand children, and 7 great grand children, whom she loved dearly.
She was an avid knitter, as evidenced by the multitude of mitts and scarves she made for everyone over the years. A quiet person, Joan always put others ahead of herself. She always had time for a cup of tea and a biscuit, and a hug for the kids. Always a fan of black and white movies, she was never without her stash of sweets and chocolates. Never talk to her if a Bing Crosby movie was on.
Joan passed away peacefully on November 16th, not long after her 95th birthday. When we think of Joan, we remember a woman who focused on her life long friends and family. She was supportive to everyone.
She was the embodiment of a true English rose.

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Gilbey 2017.source

Death notice for the town of: Sherwood Park, Province: Alberta

death notice Joan Gilbey 2017- mortuary notice Joan Gilbey 2017