Skip to content
October 9, 1924 - September 23, 2020
We are sad to record the passing of Joan Margaret Dulley on September 23rd, 2020. Sister to Patricia Hanrahan (John), aunt to Matthew (Jo-Ann), Nigel and Siobhan Hanrahan, great aunt to Michael, Caitlin and Julian Hanrahan and other relatives in the UK.
Joan was born on October 9, 1924 to parents Captain Sydney Gilbert and Doris Lena Burroughs, a British military family stationed at the time in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
Several years later, the family was transferred to Stirling, Scotland, then to Woolwich London and, in 1938, to Hong Kong. In 1940, Joan, her mother and sister sailed out of Hong Kong on the evacuee ship Empress of Japan, saying goodbye to her dad who remained behind for what was hoped to be a short period.
The ship headed for the Philippines where they lived in Baguio. The next move was to Hobart, Tasmania then north to Devonport where they received word that Joan's father was posted missing in action after the fall of Hong Kong.
Joan joined the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force and travelled extensively around many parts of mainland Australia. In 1945 she returned to England, living in London and also in Weymouth, Dorset.
In 1946 her father was presumed dead. Joan worked for the Ottoman Bank and went out to Khartoum on assignment for six months. She travelled extensively in Europe.
In 1957 Joan married Bryan Eames Dulley and honeymooned in Switzerland. They emigrated to Canada in 1958, living in Vancouver for many years.
When Bryan was offered a scholarship at Brown University they moved to the USA. Bryan became a Professor of Russian and Linguistic Studies and obtained a teaching position in Missouri where they lived for several years. They divorced and Joan returned to Vancouver, enrolled at UBC and took a degree to become a teacher.
In 1977 Joan returned to Australia for a holiday visiting friends and old haunts in Tasmania. Joan retired to Victoria, BC then Duncan. Joan was a keen walker - an interest she had developed in Hobart. She also loved opera and travelled several times to Seattle for performances. She always enjoyed weekly Wednesday lunch with close relatives, the Hanrahans, in Maple Bay as long as she was able to cope with the outing.
Joan's 1979 Civic was still seen on local roads (after she gave up driving in her late 80's), attracting the attention of car buffs for its remarkable longevity.
Many thanks for years of excellent medical care from Dr Terlien. Thanks to Sunridge for keeping her safe from the virus.


obits