September 22, 1940 - May 8, 2022
With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our Mom, Grandmother (Nanny), Sister, Aunt and Friend Joan Francis Thomas (Clark) who passed away with her family by her side on Mother's Day May 8, 2022.
Mom was born on Sept. 22, 1940 in Toronto, Ontario to the late Margaret & Bill Clark. She was predeceased by four sisters, Marion, Jackie, Gloria, and Rita and is survived by her sister Marie.
She will be greatly missed by her children Lynn, David (Carolyn), Sharman (Mary) and grandchildren Christopher, Andrew (Isla), Rochelle, Owen, Asia and Sharman Jr.
Mom moved to Montreal and married Sharman T. Thomas in July 1961. She worked in Montreal as a secretary at the Royal Victoria Hospital and Canadian Vickers Ship Yard. In 1965 they moved out West and settled in Trail, British Columbia. Mom worked at Kootenay Savings Credit Union for many years. She became an entrepreneur and opened Merle Norman Cosmetics and Mother Goose children's clothing store in Waneta Plaza. She was very active with the Mixed Bowling League in Fruitvale and as a member of the Professional Business Women's Association. In later years, she was a member of the Red Hat Society enjoying many luncheons filled with fun and laughter. Mom was an exceptional gardener growing roses, hibiscus, clematis, vegetables and herbs. She loved animals and enjoyed the ducks, deer and critters at the lake house in Proctor, B.C. Her many hobbies included reading, baking, sewing, crocheting, and ceramics. She put much love and detail into her handmade gifts. Mom was a whiz on her computer. She kept in touch with many of her friends and enjoyed playing games with people she met online. She was well known for posting jokes and if they were a little naughty - even better.
During the winter months, she enjoyed traveling to Mazatlán (Sands Arenas Hotel) and in later years Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Mom will always be remembered by her family, friends and online friends from around the world as a caring, outgoing, kind woman with a great sense of mischievous humor. She was a strong, independent woman who enjoyed her family and life although living with enduring chronic pain for many years.
With grateful hearts we thank the Emergency Department, Third Floor Nurses, and Doctors at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for your compassionate care during her final days and for the kindness shown to our family. Thank you to Melissa Mailey her Nurse Practitioner and Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services for your guidance.
As per our Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Donations in her memory to the KBRH Heath Foundation (1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca) would be gratefully appreciated.
Mom, you held our hands as we grew up, we held your hands as you left us. We miss your smile, your laughter and your warmth.
Her Journey's Just Begun
Don't think of her as gone away....Her journey has just begun.
Life holds many facets. The Earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting from the sorrow and the tears.
In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think how she could be wishing that we could know today
That nothing but our sadness, can really pass away.
And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services