Barbara Joan Taylor

Joan was born in Chatham, Ontario during a tornado, to Robert Ralph Taylor and Norma Kathleen (Kay) Taylor, and was the 4th of 5 children. As a very small girl she moved to Leamington, Ontario where she grew up. She is predeceased by both her parents, Ralph & Kay, brother Ray and step daughter Elayne. She is survived by her brothers, Blaze (Monica), Ralph (Terri) and Rick (Laurie), her daughter Kathleen (John Stratton), her spouse Gerry, step children Karin and David, and many nieces and nephews.

From a very young girl, Joan wanted to be a nurse. She began as a candy striper in high-school and continued her journey through to nursing school where she graduated in 1977 becoming a Registered Nurse. She worked as an RN in Ontario, Prince Rupert, Vancouver, Victoria & Campbell River with multiple special training including; OR, ER, Hospital Supervisor, Maternity, Endoscopy, Geriatrics, Resource Nurse, Nurse Administrator for Adult Care Society, Director of Care for several care homes in Victoria and Campbell River and lastly, Manager of Yucalta Lodge. She came out of retirement to help during the pandemic and finally retired in July of this year.

Joan had many passions and hobbies. She loved to travel. When she retired from Yaculta Lodge the first thing she did was to take an extended trip to Central and South America the highlight of which was a visit to the Galapagos Islands. She loved theatre and the arts, photography, creative writing and she had a great love and passion for the ocean. She was an open water scuba diver, underwater photographer, including macro photography. She loved walking on beaches. She loved hiking and camping on Northern Vancouver Island.

Joan lived a good life, seeing and doing things she wanted to and having fun along the way. She made the world a better place with her loving kindness and generous nature. A bright light has gone out.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

There will be a small celebration of her life at her home on the afternoon of September 16th, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.suttonsfuneralhome.com for the Taylor family.