Joan Mary Reid

Joan Mary Reid (née Murdoch) was born Nov 1, 1942, and it is with overwhelming sadness for her family to announce that she passed away in the early hours of Feb 8, 2022. Joan was a loving person, caring friend, and the best mom and nana that anyone could hope to have in their life.

Joan was born in North Vancouver, and lived her whole life on the north shore other than the few years of living in residence while attending the VGH School of Nursing. She graduated and became a Registered Nurse in 1964, beginning her career at VGH, followed by a brief time at Burnaby General, then back to Lions Gate where she spent almost 40 years working as an OR nurse. Retiring shortly after the birth of her first grandchild in 2005, Joan continued to work until the age of 70 when she finally decided work was for the birds.

Over the years, Joan proved to have a reputation for providing a safe and accepting space for those who needed it. Many of her children’s friends were close with Joan throughout her life, and many of them lived in her house for periods of time. She became a second mom, showing them the same unconditional love that she shared with her own children.

Life wasn’t always easy, but Joan made her family proud with her 31 1/2 years of sobriety. She struggled with alcoholism for many years, and it was a hard road for her to get there, but she made it stick. Despite what life threw at her, she always kept her sobriety as a priority. AA brought much joy, support, and life-long friends to Joan, and we’ll all be grateful that she was able to find her way there when she needed it.

The last couple of years of her life gave her children the chance to try to repay her for all she had given and done for them over the years. She was able to live the last year and a half with her daughter’s family, and supported by her son. The last two days of her time with us was a happy transition to North Shore Hospice, where she was able to have the wonderful care of the nurses, care aids, and physicians. She was able comfortably and peacefully pass after time surrounded by her family and loving cat, Abigail. Joan leaves behind her son Doug, daughter Leigh, son-in-law Brian, and grandchildren Alex and Evan.

“What is grief, if not love persevering?” A celebration of all things Joan will take place at 209 E 27th St in North Vancouver at 3:30pm on Apr 7, 2022. Please join us if you know Joan, as we would love to spend time hearing all of your stories of her.

The family wants to extend their endless gratitude to the Lions Gate Hospital Palliative Team, the entire staff of the North Shore Hospice, and most especially Dr Ingrid McFee for all the help, support, and encouragement that allowed us to step back from being caregivers and hold our place as simply being family. If you should want to show tribute to Joan, please donate to the North Shore Hospice via the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation in lieu of flowers.