Joan was born in Victoria, BC on March 6, 1939, to Paul and Hertha Andersen. She passed away on her own terms June 25, 2024 in the presence of her daughter and son-in-law. Joan attended Tillicum Elementary, St Ann’s Academy, Victoria College and St Joseph’s School of Nursing and became a Medical Laboratory Technologist in 1959 - a career she loved for over 41 years. Joan worked in the USA until 1966 when she returned to Victoria to work at Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital for the next 34 years, retiring as the Manager of Biochemistry. She was a mentor, role model and loyal friend throughout her career.
Among her passions were education (helping in her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s classrooms and tutoring adults in literacy), and singing in choirs. Joan was gracious, kind, generous and much loved by family and friends.
Joan is survived by her daughter Anna-Marie (Harold); grandchildren Kimberly (Phil), Catherine (Fabien), Damian (Victoria); great-grandchildren Taiya, Brianna, Liam; brother Ian (Janet); nieces Marion, Frances, Lynne and Kirsten; nephew David and their families. Joan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a year ago and reassured everyone “I had a good life”. No service by request.
