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April 19, 1935 - June 17, 2024

In loving memory ~

It is with great sadness to announce the loss of our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother Joan Mary Smith 89 on Monday morning the 17th June 2024 surrounded by family. Born Jeanne Marie Ricard the fourth child of Anthase (Tony) Ricard and Alma Gaboury on the 19 April 1935 in Fort Pitt Saskatchewan.

Joan was born on the farm in Fort Pitt where her parents had been homesteading in the northern woods of Saskatchewan. Though a meager beginning, her stories of that period of her life were nothing but positive.

In the 1940's an opportunity arose for the family which entailed moving to the "City" in Port Coquitlam BC. Though excited for the move Joan's only regret was having to sell and leave her beloved horse behind.

Joan graduated from Port Moody High in 1955, and later that year went on a blind date with her future partner in life Edwin (Ted). On Valentines Day 1956 he proposed to Joan, and they were married later that summer. Over the next few years Joan and Ted welcomed Glen, Lorne and Sandra into the world.

Joan was not the typical mid-century wife that stayed at home and raised kids. Ambitious and hard working she always pushed the realm of working in non-traditional jobs whether it be building electronic components for the fledgling National Defense DEW Line Project or breaking into the male dominated Real Estate business.

Over her Real Estate career, she was consistently a leader in sales breaking many records for her region. Though successful and busy she always made a point to be home every night to cook the family meal and get involved in the kid's activities.

Upon her retirement in the 1980's she and Ted moved to Vancouver Island, purchasing a business in Parksville and eventually moving to their final home in Qualicum Beach. During this period, she enjoyed golfing and hanging out with her girlfriends, and travelling with Ted to many parts of the world including Australia and New Zealand, as well as their winter home in Palm Desert California.

Joan was predeceased by her loving husband in December 2023 and her siblings Rick, Theresa, Evelyn and Arthur. She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Her love, dedication and work ethic are virtues that will be missed but have impacted our lives. Her beaming smile will not be forgotten, and her famous Vintage Potato Salad recipe will never taste the same.



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