On the morning of June 07 2013, Joan died peacefully in her sleep at Cascade Lodge, Chilliwack, BC. after a battle with ALS (Lou Gerhigs disease).
She is survived by her loving husband Jack Novak, Sons , Jeffery (Lore), Dan (Belinda),
Robert (Janice), Andrew (Michelle) and her beloved sister Marion, Grand children; Jessica, Travis, Morgan, Darcy, Ella, Simon, Cameron, Tanner and Miss Victoria. Her first husband Stanley and Grandson Drayton pre-deceased her.
Joan was born in Santa Marta, Colombia, South America on May 07 1934 to Douglas and
Isobel (nee Campbell) Matheson.
As a 12 year old, Joan contracted Polio and after a year of treatment went on to become a very competitive swimmer,often training in the cold Atlantic waters of her new home in Nova Scotia.
This was to become a significant influence in Joan's life, the willingness to overcome obstacles and adversity.
Joan led a varied and interesting life ; as a wife and mother living in West Germany for three years during the cold war, giving birth to two children and supporting her Military Engineer husband while living in a rural German farm community and speaking no duetsch.
Later , Joan returned to Chilliwack after a time spent in Ottawa where she studied and achieved her most prized accomplishment( out side being a mother to four boys) qualifying as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Joan practised Tai Chi, ran, jogged, bowled, skied, gardened, and became an accomplished hand gun shot.
We who love her, will always remember her for her love of family, friends, colleagues and Life.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.