Joan Emily Shaver

Joan Emily Shaver was born, June 28, 1935, in Vancouver, British Columbia to parent’s Elsie and Edwin Book. However Joan was not born alone, she brought along an identical twin named June Elsie Book. They were the perfect likeness to each other, which later became complicated for teachers, friends and of course boys. The twins were the youngest of five children.

In their youth, Joan and June both played baseball and basketball. They were quite skilled and used their height to their advantage.

In school Joan was teased by a boy, who was a couple of years older named, Wayne Earnest Shaver. They ended up marrying on September 25, 1954.

Joan worked as a teller at the Royal Bank of Canada and Wayne built homes in Vancouver with his Dad. They eventually move from the city to Matsqui flats where they purchased an operating Dairy Farm. They learned along the way… They were a team that worked well together milking cows and they built a beautiful life.

Joan and Wayne had four children: Michael in 1956, Brenda in 1958, and twins, Linda and Leslie in 1961.

Joan woke up at 5:00 am, milked cows with Wayne while us babies played or slept in a play pen. As we grew up, Joan split her time in the barn and in the kitchen making us breakfast and lunches then wrangling us off to school.

Joan could do about anything she put her mind to. She was an amazing cook and her home was always spotless. She bowled, as well as played and coached baseball, was a member of the PTA at Ridgedale Elementary which all of us attended, grade 1-6. She sewed our clothes for years, even sewing our graduation gowns. She served on executive boards as secretary all the way up to president. She shied away from nothing. Joan had a beautiful and caring personality. She loved to smile and would light up a room with her laughter. She loved to participate in fun and games, she loved dressing up in costumes on Halloween or any other time of year.

Joan had four children, eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren. She loved all of them unconditionally. Joan was an extraordinary daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, granny, aunt, and most of all friend. Joan lovingly earned the nickname “Trouble”. She loved to joke and tease; but also, would stand her ground if her principles were challenged.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Wayne in January 2000. After Wayne’s passing, Joan learned to participate in activities by herself and took great care for herself.

Joan is our hero!

A funeral service for Joan will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church, 2029 Ware St, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3C3.