Avis de décès de Joan-Mary Macdowell - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

MACDOWELL, Joan Mary Born at St. Joseph's Hospital, Victoria, BC on May 29, 1925; Joan passed away peacefully on April 24, 2012, after devoting her life to helping others. Joan was the fourth of eight children born to Robert H. L. MacDowell (Dublin, Ireland) and Nellie Munn MacDowell (Lancashire, England). Joan attended elementary school in Nanaimo and Crofton before graduating in 1943 from Ladysmith High School. She went on to fulfill her passion for giving and caring by attending St. Joseph's Hospital of Nursing, where she graduated with honours in 1950. She was recognized for Efficiency in Pediatrics. Joan was recognized for her career as a nurse at King's Daughters Hospital and as Head Nurse of the Cowichan District Hospital Children's Ward. A status she held for over 30 years. In September, 1979 she received the British Columbia Year of the Child & Family" citation for the innovative program she developed at the Cowichan District Hospital, where parents/caregivers were encouraged to visit anytime during the day or night, and for her work with social workers and foster parents to support children. She was devoted to her work and known to work double shifts so that nursing staff could spend special times with their families. Joan retired in the spring of 1985. Joan was highly regarded in the community. She supported many community events, gave generously to the SPCA and Guelph University Veterinarian Research, as well as volunteering as a Boy Scout Leader. She loved to garden and is recognized as having one of the most beautiful gardens in the Cowichan Valley. There is no place more peaceful and colourful than Joan's garden in the spring. Family and friends were also very fortunate that Joan was a fabulous knitter, making everyone special gifts. This is also a talent she taught patiently to many young relatives. There are fond memories of years of blackberry picking and jam making. Joan loved to spend her time with family and friends. Joan is predeceased by her parents, Robert Hugh Leonard (Leo) MacDowell and Nellie Munn MacDowell; her siblings, Nellie Doreen Milmore, Norah Ada Primeau, Ann Elizabeth Munn Patterson, Michael William MacDowell and John Hugh David MacDowell; her brothers-in-law, Douglas Bute Stewart and John George (Jack) Milmore; her niece, Elizabeth Ann (Stewart) Hoibak; her nephews, Stephen John MacDowell and Robin Ira Lawrence (Gopher) MacDowell. Joan is survived by her siblings, Maire Frances Elizabeth Stewart and Robin Patrick MacDowell (Kathy Rolls); her in-laws Laurie Primeau, Donald Patterson and Barbara (Milne) MacDowell; 22 nieces and nephews, 45 great-nieces and nephews, and 4 greatgreat nieces and nephews. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Cairnsmore Place, Chemainus Health Care Society and Hillary for their compassionate care and respect for quality of life given to Joan before her passing. Please join the family in Joan's Garden for tea on Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm to celebrate and share memories of her wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in Joan's memory to Cowichan District Hospital Children's Ward or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.sandsfuneral.com 655057