January 1, 1929 — September 21, 2023

The Whelan family is sad to announce the passing of our dear Mother, Joan Elizabeth Whelan, on September 21, 2023. She resided at Overlander Extended Care in Kamloops. Mom was born on January 1, 1929, in Kelowna, BC. She grew up on her parents’ orchard farm. Mom loved to talk about her younger days on the farm, and later the dances on Okanagan Lake and fun times with friends.

In 1949, Mom married a young man from Saskatchewan, Jack Whelan. They started a family with five children: Maureen, Mike, Anne, John, and David. Mom and Dad settled in Kamloops in 1958. They bought their first and last home in Brocklehurst.

Joan was a stay-at-home Mother for many years. Within those years she volunteered in the community supporting many causes. As the family grew older, she gained full-time employment at the Burris Clinic in the X-ray Department. Mom remained active with Aquafit, Tai Chi, Bicycling and travelling.

Mom was the foundation of our family and was very proud of raising her 5 children. She was thoughtful and kind, our cheerleader and confidante, trusting that challenging events would turn out okay. We are going to miss our mother’s gentle voice of encouragement.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Jack (2008) and her older brother Ron Wilkinson (2004). Mom’s great sorrow was the loss of her eldest daughter Maureen Laird in 2012, her grandson Jason Laird in 2002 and great grandson Zachary Laird in 2010.

Mom is survived by her children, Mike Whelan [Cris), Anne Huston [Baxter], John Whelan [Estelle], David Whelan [Tina] and Maureen’s husband, Schylore Laird. She also has 6 Grandchildren and 4 great Grandchildren.

“And now the purple dusk of twilight time steals across the meadows of my heart. High up in the sky the little stars climb always reminding me that we’re apart.”

[Stardust – Nat King Cole]

May you dance amongst the stardust Mom. You will always be in our hearts and memories.

The family would like to thank the staff at Overlander Extended Care for their kindness and attention to Mom over the last 4 years of her life.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services.

• Date : 2023-09-21
• Location : Kamloops