In Loving Memory of

Joan Day

(Maiden: Hawkins)
of Edmonton
Feb 1, 2015

After a full life, (Patricia) Joan Day of Edmonton, Alberta, succumbed to cancer at 87 years of age on Sunday, February 1st. Predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) a decade earlier. Joan will be deeply missed by her family, especially her daughters, Kerry (David Ogilvie), Maureen, Shannon (Don Newman), Mary (Paul Soulodre) and Allison;grandchildren, Robert Ogilvie and Alix Ogilvie (Craig Newbery); and many friends.

Joan was born in 1927 to Eric and Trudy Hawkins of Edmonton. After her older sister Lois died of scarlet fever in the early years of the Depression, the family moved to California to stay with American relatives. When they returned, "Joanie" attended Garneau School and University High School. During WWII she was in the Utile Dulci Girls Club which supported soldiers overseas. Its Latin motto--which inspires one to be useful but however busy to be pleasant and friendly--she carried for life, along with the cherished friendship of other club members. She studied painting at the Banff School of Fine Arts, and completed her nursing education at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Joan worked as a nurse in California and later as a public health nurse with the Alberta Government. After her marriage to Bob in 1953, she raised their family. During those years she was a president of the University of Alberta Hospital Nursing Alumni, a member of its Nursing Reserve and in the Junior League. She returned to nursing in the early 1970s, working at University Hospital until her retirement. She was active in the Parkallen Community League and a member of Parkallen Knitting Group. Joan was also an excellent seamstress and excelled at keeping herself and family well-turned out.

Joan was a passionate advocate and volunteer for the education, independent living, integration and employment of people who are intellectually disabled from birth: She and Bob were early members and long-time supporters of the Gateway Association.

Her family thanks all members of Joan\'s medical team during her 5-year cancer journey, and all the wonderful and supportive staff of Riverbend Lifestyle Options Residence and Unit 7c, Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre.

Cremation has taken place and at her request no funeral service will take place. A Celebration of Joan’s Life is being planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gateway Association or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.