JENSEN, Joan Patricia
March 8, 1927 - September 5, 2016
Formerly of Strathmore and ROSEBUD, AB, Joan passed away peacefully at the Prince of Peace Manor supported by her loving family. Celebrating her life with many memories are her daughters Judy (Earl) McLeay and Diane (Peter) Melanson; Annie (Tony) Silletta; nine grandchildren: Lee Gallaugher, Anica (David) Volpi, Dan (Carrie) Gallaugher, Jolene (Ryan) Schwartz, Marc (Tanis) Melanson, Dustin (Michelle) McLeay, Tracey (Darcy) Forbes, Patrick Silletta and Luke Silletta; fourteen great-grandchildren: Claudia, Daniela, Ava, Benny, Kylie, Vivianne, Brody, Owen, Ethan, Finley, Derek, Ryland, Jackson and Madelyn. She was predeceased by her husband Wally (2013); son Dan (1974); sisters Rosemary and Betty; and by brothers Raymond and Deane. Joan was born to John and Millicent (Vigar) Martin on March 8, 1927 in Drumheller, AB. A daughter of pioneers, she grew up on the family farm in the Rosebud Valley, attending Severn Creek School and completing teachers training at the U of Calgary in 1946. She returned to teach at the Hutterite colony and Redland, later substitute teaching in Wheatland County. On May 3, 1947, she married Wally Jensen, her life-long companion and best friend. They became proud and loving parents of Danny (1948), Judy (1951) and Diane (1953). Joan and Wally were married 65 years, farming, travelling, camping, and enjoying many activities with beloved family and close friends. In 2002 Joan and Wally retired to Strathmore. Joan continued to enjoy the farming experience and family farm now owned and operated by her grandson Dan, Carrie and Benny Gallaugher, up to her passing. Always an athlete, Joan excelled at track and field, enjoyed softball, later acquiring skill and enjoyment golfing, snow skiing, water skiing, and windsurfing. She was always there to encourage and support others. Referred to on occasion as the “Roadrunner”, she covered many miles on her daily walks in fields, on country roads and in town. Joan believed in community and over the years, was very involved in various community groups and activities. An incredibly hard worker, she farmed, she hosted numerous family and friend gatherings, she was an avid gardener, she was birthday cake and cookie maker extraordinaire. Mom/Grandma/GG has been our matriarch, our inspiration, our role model, and a friend to so many. She will be sorely missed. Rest in peace. The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Nariman Marzouk (Marlborough) and the staff and health care providers at Prince of Peace Manor for their kindness and care of Joan and family. A Service in Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, 1515 - 100 Street SE, Calgary on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dawn Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of the Last Supper, Mountain View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, we would ask that if desired, a donation in Joan’s memory be made directly to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice. To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.
