Obituary of Joan Ellinor Cameron

February 13, 1932 - Tisdale, Saskatchewan

September 8, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and mentor, Joan Ellinor Cameron of Calgary, AB, quietly and peacefully passed away with her family and devoted caregivers at her side on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the age of 92 years.

 

Joan was known and admired for her genuine love for others, especially her husband and family, her sincere and heartfelt gratitude for all the blessings and opportunities she enjoyed, and her genuine enthusiasm for life. Born in Tisdale, SK, on February 13, 1932, Joan grew up in a loving home with her parents, Lorne and Margaret Schnell, and her two younger siblings, brother David (known as Buzz) and sister Ann (lovingly called Nan).

 

Upon graduating from high school, Joan went to the University of Saskatchewan where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, also taking a year of education to realize her goal to work as a teacher. While attending University, Joan met the man of her dreams, Gordon Wallace (Scotty) Cameron from Mankota, also a small town in Saskatchewan. After University, Scotty and Joan were married and settled in Saskatoon where their two beautiful daughters were born; Margaret Joan (known as Maggie) on September 8, 1956, and Catherine, who arrived two and a half years later. In 1963, Scotty and Joan were blessed with their third child, their one and only son, Gordie.

 

In 1959 the family moved to Regina, where Joan pursued medical help for Catherine who was suffering with an undiagnosed health issue. Largely due to her mother’s persistence and a caring doctor, it was determined that Catherine had a hole in her heart. With Joan faithfully at her side, Catherine was taken to Toronto, where she underwent what was, at the time, a high-risk but successful surgery.

 

Joan was a progressive, modern, and wonderful mother. From the earliest days of marriage and motherhood and through her lifetime, she devoted her energies to supporting Scotty in his work with the Saskatchewan government and to raising Maggie, Catherine, and Gordie.

 

Gordie was born with Down syndrome and while there were challenges that came with having a special needs child in the family, he was the apple of everyone’s eye. Joan always went the extra mile to ensure that Gordie was supported, educated, and able to fully enjoy his life.

 

In 1970, Scotty moved his family to Calgary where he assumed the role of President and CEO of Pan-Alberta Gas. Joan’s sister Nan and her husband Roger moved to Calgary at the same time, and they continued to enjoy a very special, close relationship as sisters, who delighted in watching their children grow up together.

 

Very sadly, Gordie passed away at the age of twelve. His sweet, tender spirit left an enduring mark on the whole family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Wanting to stay busy and active at this time, Joan took up golf and, as a natural athlete, she found great comfort and enjoyment in it. She also became a contributor to the ‘Putter in the Kitchen’ cookbook.

 

Scotty and Joan joined the Silver Springs Golf Club and then the Calgary Golf and Country Club, where they were very active and social, including Joan’s service on the art committee. With a background in art history, Joan had a keen understanding and appreciation for the arts and provided valuable feedback and encouragement to both Maggie and Catherine as each of them pursued a career in the arts. Joan was also a big fan and regular attendee at Maggie’s and Catherine’s many musical recitals and sporting events.

 

Scotty and Joan eventually bought a condo in Maui which they shared with two other couples, and over the course of 25 years, they thoroughly enjoyed their winters in Hawaii. Years later they would buy a place in Palm Springs, California, where they enjoyed twelve very active, social years.

 

As their daughters married and had children of their own, Joan was happy to open her arms and her heart to more family. She was very proud of her six grandchildren, their partners, and especially delighted in her seven great-granddaughters. Family dinners were a hallmark of the Cameron home, even as the family got bigger and bigger. There was always a place at the table for everyone, including Joan’s many nieces and nephews who loved to spend time with ‘Auntie Joan!’

 

Over the years, Joan enjoyed travelling with Scotty and supporting him in all his business endeavors. They gave generously in support of many good causes and community organizations in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including the University of Saskatchewan, University of Calgary, Calgary Highlanders, Heritage Park, and the Calgary United Way. They were known for their warm hospitality and enthusiasm for all things community.

 

Other hallmarks from Joan’s life include being Campus Queen during her U of S days (her natural beauty was evident throughout her life), her outstanding record as a competitive curler in the position of skip, and of course her legendary bridge skills! Joan taught many people how to play bridge, by the rules!

 

Joan gave her all to everything she did, and she did everything with excellence. She was meticulous about her appearance, and she loved colors, especially blue and pink. She fully embraced Calgary and Alberta as her home, but she always remembered her roots of growing up in Saskatchewan and enjoyed a strong, lifelong, and heartfelt connection to the community of Tisdale.

 

After 58 years of marriage, Scotty passed away in 2013, and Joan moved into a comfortable care home. Over the next eleven years, she thoroughly enjoyed the friendship and the care of her beloved companions. She continued to live with grace and dignity, forming meaningful relationships and enjoying the friendship of her companions.

 

It was heart-breaking in May of this year when Joan’s eldest daughter Maggie passed away very unexpectedly. In a show of love for her firstborn, Joan completed her own journey here on earth by passing away on what would have been Maggie’s 68^th birthday.

 

Joan was predeceased by her husband Scotty (2013), daughter Maggie (2024), son Gordie (1976), brother Lorne David (Buzz) Schnell (2020), and her sister-in-law Jenny Schnell (2020).

 

Joan is survived by her daughter Catherine (Bruce) Gerus of Victoria, BC, son-in-law Bill (Maggie) Pringle of Calgary, and her grandchildren, Laura Pringle, Heather Pringle, Scott (Hye) Pringle, Brydon (Sharlene) Gerus, Calvin (Jamie) Gerus, and Kendal (Jeff) Wright. She was blessed with seven great-granddaughters, Rowan Gerus (10), Uma Gerus (6), Sage Gerus (9), London Gerus (7), Amelia Wright (6), Ivy Wright (3), and Ayla Pringle (3). Joan is also survived by her sister Ann McCaig of Calgary, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

Throughout her entire lifetime, people were always drawn to Joan’s charismatic, warm personality and her contagious love and zest for life. Joan will be greatly missed by her family, but her legacy will live on in their hearts and memories as they seek to follow her outstanding example.

 

There will be a private family gathering held to remember Joan and her many contributions.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Ups and Downs – Calgary Down Syndrome Association (Box 61180, Kensington RPO, Calgary, AB, T2N 4S6), Telephone: 403-289-4394, www.upsdowns.org/.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Joan’s family here.

 

In living memory of Joan Cameron, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.