Joan Pearl Quinlan

November 29, 1925 - March 31, 2023

In the early morning hours of March 31, 2023, Joan Pearl Quinlan passed away peacefully in the company of son Dennis and daughter Peggy at North Shore Hospice. The tranquility of the setting was befitting the passing of an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to so many throughout her 97 years.

Joan was born near Lethbridge, Alberta. At age six, she moved with her family to Creston, B.C., a small farming community in the East Kootenays. After graduating from Grade 12 she went to work as a legal secretary for the local lawyer. That job lasted until one fateful night in 1949 when Joan was spotted at a community dance by Bryan Quinlan, a young engineer working on a survey crew for the summer. That night marked the beginning of a love affair and journey that lasted seventy years until Bryan's passing in 2019. It is only fitting they are back together.

Joan never shied from adventure. In the course of Bryan's engineering career, she with two children in tow, set up home nine different times from coast to coast, in small towns and big cities, before settling in West Vancouver in 1977. Each move offered challenge and opportunity, which Joan embraced with determination, enthusiasm and an ever present sense of humor.

A beautiful smile that lit up the room was Joan's trademark. A smile that never left her, not even in the final hours. A smile that reflected how she lived her life.

Joan's greatest joys were her family and friends. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were welcomed with excitement, love and immense pride. To the family she was the tower of strength who provided leadership, guidance, and most importantly support. Joan valued deeply her friends, both old and new. Be it the phone call on a birthday, the handwritten note at Christmas, or a get well card during difficult times, Joan was always there. Particularly important were the friendships she made over the many years at West Vancouver Presbyterian Church.

Joan will be deeply missed by son Dennis ( Mary), daughter Peggy (John), grandchildren Kevin, Alison, David, Michael, and cousin Tricia. She will be lovingly remembered by Penny and Nancy.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Drs. Saunier, Fowler, Walker and Haaf together with all the health care professionals at Lions Gate Hospital and North Shore Hospice for their wonderful care.

A memorial service will be held at West Vancouver Presbyterian Church on May 13 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.