January 17, 1935 - April 29, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Joan Ivy Henderson nee Owens passed away on April 29, 2022. She was born January 17, 1935 in Shrewsbury, County of Shropshire, England.
On August 7, 1957 she and Ron were married and the next day they sailed off to start a new life in Canada as farm workers on Vancouver Island. They landed in Montreal and then came by train to Vancouver and then Cobble Hill where they were met by their first employer.
They were provided with very basic living arrangements and began work the next morning! For the next few years they worked on several Island farms, making friends and having many memorable experiences. Finally Ron got a job at the Chemainus mill and Joan started work at Charlie Onn's, a local ladies' wear shop in Duncan.
As she had worked for Rolls Royce as accountant before emigrating, she went on to work for Buckerfield's, Top Shelf Feeds and the Island Vegetable Co-op, always as accountant.
During their life in the Valley, Joan and Ron bought and renovated several homes, always on property where they could have some livestock and at least one Border collie. Joan was a very hard worker, helping Ron with their farm work and always growing large vegetable and flower gardens.
She was also an excellent cook and baker and was happy to bring the pies for dinners with her neighbours.
After Ron's death in 2001, Joan lived on in their home on Bell McKinnon Road until she finally sold and moved in to Silver Park. She enjoyed her life there amongst excellent neighbours and friends. Joan's family would like to thank them for their care and support for Joan in her later years when her health was failing.
Joan was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Jean and Kathleen. She is survived by her brother Malcolm, his wife Dorothy and a sister Rosie and her family as well as her brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews, all in England. If you so wish, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Fund in her name would be appreciated.