Joan Elsie Chamberlain

Passed away peacefully in the Kelowna General Hospital on October 01, 2011 in her ninety-first year. Born in Vancouver on January 02, 1921, Mum took great pride in the fact that she had lived in Kelowna for over ninety years.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her children, Trevor (Elizabeth) of Rockwood, Ontario, and Patty (Cam) McIntosh of Kelowna; ten grandchildren, Shawn, Robin (Daniel), Amy, Colin, Hayley (Scott), Laura, Graham, Brendan, Heather and Hayden; and many other family members and friends. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Aubrey and Elsie (Woodhams) Matthews; husband, Freddie; daughter, Bonnie (Talbot); and, brother, Richard.

A loving, kind and generous daughter, mother, and grandmother, Mum was always “a good sport” who loved to travel, join family get-togethers, and play poker and crib. Her children and grandchildren were a very important part of her life. She loved them dearly, took pride in their accomplishments, and looked forward to their visits. Daughter Bonnie, who passed away in 2004, was deeply missed.

Mum was a dedicated teacher, starting at Mission Creek School in 1942 and, later, teaching at Raymer Avenue, Dr. Knox Secondary, Glen Avenue and A.S. Matheson Schools. After retiring in 1985, she continued to enjoy calls and visits from two generations of former pupils.

In her first year of teaching, Joan met her husband, Freddie, and they were married the following year. Joan and Freddie lived in the Mission Creek district for many years and brought up their three children, Trevor, Bonnie and Patty. Freddie passed away in 1996, after fifty-three years of marriage.

Mum was always a very community-minded person. She was one of the founding members of the Kelowna Kinette Club and sang in the Kinette Choir for many years. Mum was also a Life Member of the Dr. Knox Chapter of the I.O.D.E., with sixty years of service. She worked regularly in the I.O.D.E.’s “Superfluity Shop” until her ninetieth birthday.

Mum had fond memories of her years growing up in Kelowna, and had an immense store of knowledge about the history of the district. She was a dedicated member of both the Okanagan Historical Society and the Retired Teachers Association. Among other things, Mum edited a history of rural schools in the Okanagan and contributed articles to a variety of historical publications. In addition to her own writing, she was often consulted by others seeking information about local history.

As a child Mum was introduced to the work of Frank L. Baum, creator of the series of books beginning with the “Wizard of Oz”. Her childhood enjoyment of these books blossomed into a lifelong interest in all things Oz. She was a proud member of the International Oz Club.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday October 05, 2011 at St. Michaels’ and All Angels Anglican Church at 608 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, with the Very Reverend Nissa Basbaum officiating. A tea will follow at Sunrise Village Recreation Centre at 1260 Raymer Avenue, Kelowna. Donations in memory of Joan Chamberlain can be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 300-1090 West Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6E 2N7 or at www.cbcf.org/become/don_onl