(Mabel) Joan McVey
(Pedersen) Nee Knight
November 21, 1939 - December 17, 2011
We announce the unexpected passing of Joan on Saturday December 17, 2011. After a short battle with cancer she passed with family by her side.
She is survived by her husband Donald, son Fleming (Kam), daughter Elizabeth, granddaughters Amanda (Chris), Kirsten, Josie (Ian) and great-grandson Dace. Also sisters Jill (Don), Jan (Blaine), Joyce (Lynnie), nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Joan was born in Chemainus BC. She lived in Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Greenwood throughout her life. Most recently in Ladysmith BC.
Joan was an avid volunteer for many causes and venues. Most recent at Dufferin Place. She loved spending time on Monday mornings with her ladies, and helping with special meals for the residents.
Joan was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 257 in Lantzville. She volunteered much of her time to this branch. She was a bar manager, a bartender and she prepared food for veterans’ dinners as well as mini meals. She was a dedicated Legion member who attended all the meetings.
Joan was a proud member of Girl Guides of Canada. She was a Ranger as a girl. Later in her life she became known as “my mom” at Brownie Camp as she was always willing to QM for the girls. She helped at unit level, district level, division level and area level. She would say “always for the girls” most recent she belonged to the last Bastion Trefoil Guild... “Keeping the spirit alive”.
Having owned 3 different restaurants and 2 catering businesses, food was a big part of Joan’s life.
She worked at Kelly Douglas Wholesale for many years, in the office. Then she became the first lady in British Columbia to work at the “cash and carry” part of the company. Then later working at Tom Yee produce.
Catering for over 35 years she touched many people with her wonderful and delicious food. Joan relished in making new menus to offer those she cooked for. She was always trying out new recipes, she would reshape and adapt it to make it her own. Many family and friends became “guinea pigs” over the years. No one was spared. Joan was an amazing cook.
Joan loved her furry friends. Many times she rescued cats and dogs. They became a special part of her home. Our dog “Sadie” was a wonderful source of comfort and support for Joan these last few months.
To all the medical people who touched Joan’s life... thank you. Your care of Joan was exceptional. The staff at NRGH Palliative Care are amazing and second to none. Thank you.
A celebration of life for Joan will be held on
Saturday January 7, 2012 at the
Royal Canadian Legion Hall,
Branch 257, Lantzville BC. at 1 p.m. Please join us.
Telford’s of Nanaimo
250-591-6644