Obituary of Joan Rose Gourlie

JOAN ROSE GOURLIE It is with deep sadness that the family of Joan Rose Gourlie (nee Bowyer) announces her passing on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 86 years of age. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Harold in 1990; mother May Starnes; step-father Wilby Starnes; her brother John Starnes, and twin siblings Leslie and Richard Starnes at birth. She leaves to mourn her son David (Cathy), daughter Christine Tickell, and son Bryan (Joan and her sons Rory, Daniel and grandson Kaden). Nana will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Matthew and Martin Gourlie, Tim Bradley (Georgette) of Calgary and Sarah Tickell (Jay Kirkland); four great-grandchildren Frances, Abraham and Jesse Tickell-Kirkland and Kiera Bradley. Joan is also survived by her nephews Christopher and Patrick Starnes; cousin Roy Stinton; lifelong friend Eva Wright, all in England; and numerous relatives in Canada. Joan was born December 27, 1925 in Haverhill, Suffolk, England where she lived until she immigrated to Canada to join her husband, Harold, whom she met while he served in the RCAF during the Second World War. She loved writing long letters to keep in touch with her relatives and many lifelong friends in Canada and abroad. Joan had a passion for opera and could always be found listening to the CBC Metropolitan Opera broadcasts Saturday afternoon. She was always eager to please her friends and family with her great cooking or sewing creations. Joan was a caring person, usually putting others needs before her own. Her determination and stubbornness, while often frustrating to loved ones, kept her going. In spite of her 65 year struggle with crippling arthritis, her motto of there is no such word as cant? enabled her to stay in her home until her passing. The family thanks the many health care professionals that cared for Joan during her lifetime. Funeral Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue Regina, SK on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Private interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam may be made to The Arthritis Society, 110 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1 or The Canadian Cancer Society, 1919 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2R3. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com