Joan Shirley Shemley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mum/Nana Joan Shirley Shemley on April 18 2025. Our much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law and friend. She left us peacefully surrounded by her family.

Joan will be remembered for her enormous heart and constant thinking of others; she was a thoughtful person who loved to laugh and be playful.

Joan was born and raised in Kelowna. Born at KGH on May 5, 1935 as a McKinley of McKinley Landing fame.

Joan was a walking, talking Kelowna historian, she remembered everything. Joan had a fantastic career coaching synchronized swimming for the Canadian National Team and Team BC. Joan travelled with teams to Europe, USA and the Mexico Olympics in 1968. She was Lady of the Lake in 1950 when she was just 15 years old. She was highly involved in the water ballet community community and put on Kelowna Regatta water shows for many years.

Joan moved to West Vancouver two months ago to be closer to her daughter Cindy, her granddaughter Akeala, her grandson Tam and her great grand baby Remy. Her family is eternally grateful that she made the decision to spend her remaining time closer to them. Time was made for adventures, family meals, historic drives, various celebrations and many chats over cups and cups of coffee.

Joan leaves behind a much loved family; her daughter Cindy, son-in-law Malcolm, grand daughter Akeala and grand son in law Nate, grandson Tam and great grand daughter Remy, daughter-in-law Shawna, step son Donald, step daughter Debbie and step son Doug as well as other extended family members.

Mum/Nana has joined her angels Chad Shemley (beloved son), Ellen McKinley (beloved mother) and Magdalena Pederson (grandmother).

In lieu of flowers our family encourages you to make a donation to Kelowna Cancer Care. Donations can be made through the weblink below (click the pull down tab on the webpage and select ‘Cancer Care’ | KGH Foundation.

Thank you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.

Cindy and Akeala and Family

https://www.kghfoundation.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb