Mary Joan de Graaf

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Joan de Graaf. MJ left us peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with cancer. She was born in Willowdale, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto on May 14, 1962 to her parents Don and Anne Cartwright. The family relocated to Vancouver, BC when Mary Joan was five years old. She grew up in Richmond with her three sisters and brother. She married her husband Gerald in 1984, grew a family of her own shortly after, and moved to West Kelowna in 1996.

Mary Joan was a loving wife, mother, sister and Nana. She never stopped caring for and helping those she loved. She was talented and adventurous in many aspects of her life, and lived her life to the fullest. Over the course of her career, she worked as a medical office assistant for many types of medical specialists. She was efficient, responsible, and organized, even from a very young age, working her way through college by shopping and cooking for the local priests at St. Joseph the Worker in Richmond. Mary Joan was known for her exceptional cooking and baking talents. She truly loved cooking delicious meals and desserts for her family and friends, and often hosted celebrations and Sunday dinners. She will be fondly remembered for her spicy lasagna, as well as delicious banana bread, butter tarts and rum cakes. She was crafty and often sewed special gifts for her grandchildren. She loved to travel and explore with Gerald, both in Canada and internationally to many countries including Thailand and Australia.

She was also passionate about camping, hiking and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren loved curling up on Nana's lap as she read them a story. She loved going on long daily walks through the neighbourhood or down by the lake with the family dog, Maddie. Mary Joan was an expert shopper, and thoroughly enjoyed going shopping for clothes and shoes with her daughter or her friends. Her and Laura spent many Saturdays over the years shopping around Kelowna and filling up the trunks of their cars with deals they would find. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed her monthly book club as well as the company of friendships gained during the 27 years since moving to West Kelowna.

Mary Joan had the greatest love for family; her family, especially her children and grandchildren, were arguably her most important achievement in life.

Mary Joan will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 39 years, Gerald, her mother, Anne Cartwright, her daughter, Laura (Cam) Henry, her son David (Heather) de Graaf, her grandchildren Carter, Owen, Taylor, Theo and Charlotte, her brothers and sisters, Cathy (Greg), Neil (Michele), Brenda (Ken), Dawn (Steve), and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mary Joan was predeceased by her father, Donald Cartwright.

A Celebration of Mary Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, October 7th at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Ave in Kelowna, BC at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the BC Cancer Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial), Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299