Joan Clara Schweighardt McDonald

March 18, 1959-April 3, 2016

Joan McDonald passed unexpectedly at the age of 57 at West Coast General Hospital after a brief illness.

Joan was the youngest daughter of Wilfred and Eva Schweighardt of Port Alberni. She is survived by her partner Steve Middelkoop, older sister Bernice Kempling of Kamloops, eldest daughter Sondra Beaulac of Errington, son Robert McDonald, daughter Tamara McDonald, both of Port Alberni, son Richard McDonald of Burnaby, and many nieces and nephews. Joan was also the proud grandmother to Paul Michael Louie, Malea Louie, and Acacia Seward.

Joan was born and raised in Port Alberni and attended 8th Avenue Elementary, Eric Dunn Jr. Secondary and ADSS. She spent many summer holidays with her family at Ecoole and treasured that time. She thought nothing of going salmon fishing with her sisters in a 14 foot boat, or heading over to Bamfield for ice cream.

Joan got married in September 1976 (and that was the third wedding for the Schweighardt girls that summer). Sondra came along shortly afterward (1977), followed by Robbie (1978), Richard (1985) and Tamara (1991). The family lived in Ucluelet for many years, but later Joan relocated to Port Alberni to be closer to family.

Joan loved her cats and took after her dad in her gardening skills, which she did with much love and success.

Joan worked in the restaurant business for most of her career and was an expert server.

She’ll be dearly missed by family, friends and customers.

There will be no service at Joan’s request, but those wishing to honour Joan’s memory may make a donation in her name to the charity of their choice.

May she rest in peace.