Joan Mary Parry

Joan Parry (née Halcrow) passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, after a five-year journey through dementia. Born on April 6, 1930, in Cranbrook, BC, to David and Jamesina Halcrow, Joan was the 11th of 12 children in a lively and loving family. In the 1930s, the family relocated to Penticton, where her father served as Chief of Police. Joan graduated from Penticton High School before joining the RCAF in Trenton, Ontario.

Upon returning to BC, Joan moved to Vancouver, where she trained as a psychiatric nurse and also pursued bookkeeping courses. In the late 1950s, Joan settled in North Vancouver, where she met and married Tom Parry. Together they had two daughters. Once her daughters were in school, Joan furthered her education at Capilano College, earning a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She taught kindergarten at Ridgeway Annex and later took over the preschool at St. Andrew’s Church.

Joan cherished the bustling, joy-filled gatherings of her large family, which were often marked by laughter, music, and celebrations. Her love for sports and the outdoors was evident throughout her life; she enjoyed cross-country skiing at Cypress Bowl in winter, playing seniors’ softball and lawn bowling in summer, and swimming year-round well into her 70s.

After retiring from teaching, Joan devoted her time to volunteering with the Wild Bird Trust, Shopping for Seniors, and the Red Cross. She is predeceased by her parents and her siblings: James, Alexander, David, William, Gordon, Catherine, Jean, Robert, Marjorie, Elizabeth, and Peter.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Joan Parry and Alison Jane Parry (Steeve Routhier); numerous nieces and nephews; and her cherished grandsons, Thomas James Greenwood and Jovan Parry Routhier, who will always remember her love and laughter.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Lynn Valley Care Centre Lodge 2 for their exceptional care and support during Joan's residence there.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Thank you.

Elizabeth and Alison Parry