Joanna McMillan

A wonderful woman. Intelligent, ambitious, someone who started things and gave them 100%. Generous to a fault. Nursing came naturally to her. The youngest of 7 children of a Coal miner from England, she was born in Michel BC. She skipped grades and graduated at age 16 from MNHS, leaving home to work towards Nursing school. Mom earned her RN in 1957 from St Joseph's School of Nursing. At age 42, she decided to attend UVIC, where she finished her BSN 1980.

Raising 3 children and working, she was the glue that held the family together. A prolific and skilled knitter, we all still cherish many of the items that she made for us over the years. She was also skilled at sewing: Pyjamas, clothes, halloween costumes. Crafts. Special occasions were decorated with things she would make.

Mom eventually retired in 1987 as the Director of Medical Nursing at Royal Jubilee. She and Dad travelled extensively all over the world. Mom enjoyed spending time with friends and family at the family vacation home at Beach Acres on Craig Bay. After Dad passed, she slowed down a bit, but kept busy and was living independently til the end.

Predeceased by her parents Jonathan and Mary, her siblings: Thomasina, Mary, Frances, Lorraine, Henry, Jimmy (D-Day 1944), and her husband Bill.

Joanna is survived by her Children Bill Jr. (Sandy), Lauchlan (Susan), and Cathy Shorsky (Shawn)

Joanna was "Grandy" to 6 grandchildren:

Stephen, Kevin, Jaclyn, Amanda, Wyatt , Will, and great Grand daughter Elizabeth

To honour Joanna's specific request, there will be no service.

Those wishing may make memorial donations to the William McMillan bursary at UVIC