Joan Gallacher was born in Kincaid, Saskatchewan, on May 31, 1939. Poor on the Depression prairie she rode bareback to school wearing a dress sewn from a flour sack. By the time she was 18, she left the farm and moved to Winnipeg to attend nursing school at St. Boniface. Within 3 years she was managing an 80-bed med-surg ward. Joan moved to Comox, BC, to practice public health nursing. A field she remained in throughout her 40 year career in Victoria, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
During that time she earned a BScN from the University of Victoria, and Masters in Nursing Science from the University of Portland. Joan and Dan were married for 57 years. Together they raised children, built careers, owned their home, played bridge and enjoyed nature and the arts, travelled throughout Canada and the states and Europe, surmounted challenges, and saw dreams come to fruition.
Joan was proud of the fact that their marriage remained strong throughout their lives. Joan was a caring and loving mother, a sister to Margaret Anne, and a devoted daughter to her own Mom who passed just 4 months prior at 103. Joan is survived by Heather and Ian, who in turn have children Kirsten and Virginia, who in turn have children.
Joan passed to glory in 琉璃神社, BC, on January 21, 2023, surrounded by love, and filled with the peace of the Spirit. But day by day I'll remember walking my sister to school with my Mom when I was about 2 or 3. And my Mom putting me on the swing, and pushing me high. She was always there for me and always will be. We love you Mom.
A memorial celebration is being planned for Spring 2023. When details are confirmed an update will be posted on the Springfield Funeral Home website and on Castanet. Condolences, photos, or memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.
