Beryl Joan Elsey
(née Whitbread)
March 23, 1930 – December 12, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother. Joan passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2014 with her daughters by her side.
Predeceased by her husband, Judson in 2006, Joan is survived by her four children: Wendy Merritt, Nancy Elsey, Glen Elsey and Maxine Reitsma as well as seven grandsons, two granddaughters and several great-grandchildren.
Born in Beechy, Saskatchewan to Violet and Wesley Whitbread, Joan enjoyed her childhood growing up on the prairies. She worked in Winnipeg and Montreal as a telegraph operator for a few years before deciding to do a diploma nursing program in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. After graduating as a Registered Psychiatric nurse, Joan moved to Saskatoon where she worked at University Hospital, Central Park Lodge and for 17 years at Sunnyside Nursing Home. In 1986, Joan and Jud moved to Nanoose Bay, BC and Joan finished her exemplary nursing career at Arranglen Lodge in Qualicum Beach, BC. Joan was loved by all who were touched by her quiet, gentle caregiving.
In her retirement years, Joan was devoted to her pets, the wild birds she loved and her beautiful garden. A wonderful mother with a
beautiful soul, we will miss you forever.