Joan Marie Wells

Joan Wells passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023. Joan and Bill, her late husband of 67 years, were amazing parents to five children; Russell (Jennifer), Karen (John), Jennifer, Tom (Brenda) and Brian. She was the loving grandmother to Caitlin (David), Brianna (Vern), Sarah (James), Matthew (Mico), Veronica (Saul), Steven (Holly), Shannon, Devon (Johnny), Kate and Tommy. She had four great-grandchildren: Alix, Elsa, Jack and Isabella.

Joan is predeceased by her husband Bill, her sister Donna Willets and her parents William and Anne Skelding.

Born in Winnipeg to Wing Commander William and Anne Skelding. Joan, her only sister Donna and their parents moved several times as a family to various Canadian Forces bases throughout Ontario. When WWII was declared the family was living at Camp Borden and were required to leave the base along with all other civilians. Eventually, Joan, her mother and sister moved to the Glebe area of Ottawa where she attended high school. While in Ottawa Joan met her future husband Bill. Following high school Joan enrolled in secretarial school while Bill headed west to attend the University of Alberta. Their relationship persevered despite the distance and eventually she joined Bill in Edmonton, married in 1953 and soon began their family.

In the years that followed, Joan and Bill moved many times between Alberta and BC. Places like Hardisty, Olds, Banff, Medicine Hat, Vancouver and eventually Edmonton where they settled down in the Aspen Gardens area for 54 years. The family home was always busy but Joan was the steady force that kept things in control – as much as possible! As soon as her children were in school Joan was hired at the Providence Centre as a secretary, where she worked for many years. Joan was smart, steady and articulate and she was greatly missed when she eventually retired.

The family home was the centre of almost all family celebrations and the kitchen was at the heart of it, especially the weekly Sunday suppers. Joan always had a smile for anyone who walked through the door and miraculously could conjure up lunches and dinners without notice. Coffee was a mainstay and she would always have a pot ready. While her family tried hard to change her coffee-making routine, Joan never bought into the idea that coffee could actually be overcooked when it was hours old. Joan always made time for her grandchildren who have fond memories of their time together. Joan was as happy watching ballet performances as she was on family camping trips across Canada.

After Joan and Bill’s retirements, they began a decade-long involvement fostering and raising service dogs. It was a very busy but truly joyful time for them and a great many individuals benefitted from their tireless volunteering with the “Dogs with Wings” association.

Despite having a few health challenges in her last few years, Joan remained a joy to be around, always smiling and lovely. She will be deeply missed.

The Wells family is very thankful to the many staff and health care providers at AgeCare Midnapore in Calgary for their care and support. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be laid to rest at St. Anthony Cemetery in Edmonton beside her husband’s and her parent’s remains.