Joan Anne White

WHITE : Joan. It is with great sadness that the family of Joan White (née Diebolt) announce her passing. Joan passed away at the age of 70 in Kelowna, BC on September 12, 2025 peacefully at Hospice House, with family present, after a long and courageous illness with breast cancer.

She was born on December 21, 1954 to Ray and Rita Diebolt in Edmonton Alberta.

Joan attended the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing in Edmonton, and graduated with a diploma in Nursing June 1975

She married Murray on September 17, 1978 in Sherwood Park, Alberta and subsequently had 2 children, Aaron and Amanda.

She worked as a home care nurse and retired in 2011.

Joan was a woman of many interests and even more heart. She devoted much of her time—both professionally and personally—to helping others. Over the years, Joan gave generously of herself through countless volunteer roles. She served with Engaged Encounter, as an elementary school and catechism volunteer, with Caring Clowns, in prayer ministry, Grief-to-Grace, and as a Rotary host mom. She also provided compassionate care as a hospice volunteer.

Hospitality was one of Joan’s greatest gifts. An excellent baker, she loved to host and share homemade bread, cinnamon buns, cookies, and cakes—treats that never lasted long once they hit the table. She even taught herself to make macarons for her daughter’s wedding. Joan found joy in shared meals, often creating space for others, especially those who might otherwise feel isolated, to feel welcomed and included.

Joan’s love of learning was a thread that ran throughout her life. From studying morphine as a young nurse and travelling to Little Rock, Arkansas to diving into new interests in later years, she remained intellectually curious and open-minded. She explored hobbies like scrapbooking, joined a pole walking club, and enjoyed swimming and Pilates. Living in the Okanagan naturally led to a fondness for wine tasting, a favourite activity she shared with both family and friends.

Yet, at the core of everything Joan did was her deep and unwavering faith. It grounded her and gave her strength through life’s challenges—including her initial ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment in 1994, and Murray’s serious bicycle accident in 2017. Her faith wasn’t just something she held privately; it was something she brought into every aspect of her life, touching the lives of those around her in profound and lasting ways.

Joan is survived by her husband Murray, son Aaron, daughter Amanda Carr (Chris), her two beloved grandchildren Mackenzie and Weston and her brothers Ron (Wanda) and Greg (Juanita).

She was predeceased by her parents, sister and many dear friends and relatives.

The funeral mass will be held on September 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Revered Father Pat Monette officiating.

Internment will be in Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery and will be privately held with immediate family members only.

In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Chalice Canada or Central Okanagan Hospice House.

The family wishes to express our deepest thanks to the staff at Hospice House for their care and compassion, especially the nursing team. A special thanks to Drs. Mike Banwell, Colin Yarrow, Kaethe Clarke & Shelby Entner.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com

Arrangements entrusted with Valleyview Funeral Home (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-765-3147