The BCHNS has lost a faithful friend and long time supporter. Following a brief illness, Joan died at Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver on February 26, 2016.
Joan’s initial nursing education was completed at St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing in Saskatoon (1940). She enlisted in the army during WWII and worked as a Lieutenant Nursing Sister primarily at the military hospital in Basingstoke, England. Upon her return to Canada after the war, Joan completed a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at UBC (1949) and returned to work as a RN at several Vancouver hospitals before embarking on a lengthy career as a Public Health Nurse. Midway through her career, Joan earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from the University of California, Berkeley (1967).
Joan was an active member of the Registered Nurses Foundation of BC (RNFBC) until her death. She had a keen interest in history, especially Canadian, and was a member of both the BC History of Nursing Society and the Canadian Association for the History of Nursing.
There will be no service by request. Donations in Joan’s name can be made to the Mabel and Henry Doree Family Memorial Bursary at RNFBC and would be appreciated. (Administration Officer Registered Nurses Foundation of BC 100 – 1450 Creekside Drive Vancouver, BC V6J 5B3)