Joan Nora Shirley

She is survived by her sons, Roger (Joan) and James (Ann) Hunting, grandchildren Kaitlyn, Shannon (Nigel), Brandon (Judy), and Tyler as well as her great grandchildren Carter and Arya. She was predeceased by her husband Fred Shirley and her sons John and Richard (Carol).

During the Second World War, Joan served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS). She met and married John Hunting in 1946 and shortly after her twins were born. They left Britain to join John in British Honduras (Belize).

She immigrated to Canada in 1952 and lived in Vancouver and Penticton. After her divorce from John, she married Fred Shirley and moved to Kamloops where she lived for 48 years. During that time, especially in later years, Joan was involved in various activities such as the Retired Teachers Association, Kamloops Blazers Booster Club and manning the desk at Cottonwood Manor. Besides her family, Joan had many special people in her life including Gary Fridell and Deanna Newberry whom she regarded as her adopted son and daughter. She also had a very special friend in Bonnie Peterson without whom, she acknowledged, her life would have been much plainer, duller and quieter and a lot less fun!

Joan wished to deeply thank all the men and women at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home who made her passing one of dignity and ease. She enjoyed and appreciated you all very much.

There will be a celebration of life, conducted by Pastor Wiest on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 2pm in the Dogwood room at Cottonwood Manor followed by refreshments.

No flowers please, but donations to the Kamloops Hospice or the SPCA would be appreciated.