Joan Kathleen Anne Kelly

It is with deep sadness and a lifetime of memories that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Joan Kathleen Anne Kelly. Joan entered into heaven on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Saskatoon St Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit after a long battle with dementia.

Joan was born to parents, Thomas Kelly and Frances Chapek in Sintaluta, Saskatchewan on July 5, 1938. While she studied hard to achieve high marks in school she would often tell stories of how she used to always get in trouble for talking in class. She was a woman of unwavering morals, compassion, and empathy. Surrounded by a large loving family, she was cherished by her five brothers, Bob, Neil, Urban, Tony, Laurie, and her sister, Francis.

Joan's passion for helping others naturally led her to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated at the top of her class in nursing school and received an award for Applied Ethics, a testament to her commitment to helping others and her strong moral compass. After working in various cities across the country, she settled in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she worked at Pioneer Village Care Home.

Joan was a lifelong learner and in her retirement she discovered a passion for gardening. Her flower garden was evidence of her green thumb, always bursting with vibrant colors. She also discovered enjoyment in scrapbooking, making homemade chocolates, and sharing her creations with loved ones. Joan’s kind and caring nature will be missed by all who knew her.

Joan was blessed with an overactive funny bone and took great joy in putting a smile on someone's face whether through a funny joke or a kind deed. Her credo was 'love, compassion, forgiveness, and humor.'

While she had many passions in life, her greatest love was her family. She is survived and forever missed by her three children, Dee Prior, Kelly (Michelle) Prior, and Terry (Kelly) Prior, and her six grandchildren, Timothy, Tamara, Candyce, Kiera, Kory, and Greg

We will honor Joan's memory with an intimate Celebration of Life on Oct 18 2024 in Saskatoon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Society or the Saskatoon St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

“Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.”