Joan Whelen, 1924-2008

Joan Whelen, resident of McLennan, passed away on Dec. 1, 2008, at the age of 84. Joan was born on Nov. 10, 1924, in McLennan. Joan spent all her life laughing, loving, and living in McLennan where she grew up with her five sisters, met and married the love of her life and raised her three children. Joan was one of McLennan’s oldest original long-time residents. She was famous among her family and friends for her flair for poetry, verses and little ditties quoted or created to suit the occasion. Sense of humour, tenacity, audaciousness, warmness and all of those other fancy describing words apply to Joan. Everyone who met her has their own special memories. Joan was predeceased by Bruce, her husband of 51 years, her sisters Norma Godin and Madge Jarvis. She is survived by her three children; daughters Carrie Harvey (Valleyview), Barbara (Andre) of Grande Prairie, and son Barry (Collette) of McLennan, and by sisters Betty (Art) Fish (Kelowna) and Barbara (Edmonton). Funeral services for Joan Whelen were held Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. from the McLennan United Church with Reverend Sharom McRann officiating. Organist was Donna Jean Hicks. Urn bearer was grandson Private Brian Whelen. Honorary pallbearers were grandchildren Jessica Howe, Landon Whelen, Eric and Leigh Letourneau. Interment to follow at a later date at McLennan Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.