Tribute

Joan Andrena Naherniak passed away peacefully at Cowichan District Hospital on August 29^th, 2021 at the age of 87 after complications from a fall.

Born at Winnipeg General Hospital September 20, 1933, Joan was the first born to John and Alice Zeemel. John died tragically in 1935, when Joan was two years old. Joan’s brother John arrived just months after the death of their father. Alice was a single parent during the War years before marrying Jack Brookes in 1945.

Joan married Bill Naherniak in 1956, and they moved to Pine Falls, Manitoba, where sons Brian, Mark and Craig were born. The Naherniak family relocated to Vancouver Island in 1964. After living in a few locations in the Cowichan Valley, Joan and Bill finally settled on acreage on Sprott Road.

For most of her career Joan worked at the Cowichan School Board Office. Joan loved to sew and quilt, was a member of the Heritage Quilters and volunteered at the Cowichan Hospital and fall fair. She was a devoted and generous mother and grandmother, who loved her children and grandchildren dearly, was always there to attend sporting events, to look after grandchildren, and provide any needed help and support. Joan also loved her extended family and openly welcomed family and friends to her home. She will be deeply missed.

Joan is survived by her husband, Bill, three sons Brian (Norah), Mark (Elaine) and Craig (Jacquie), four grandchildren (Adam, Eric, Drew and Danielle), three great granddaughters Emma, Anna and Emmalee, and by her brother John (Gladys) and his two children (Cynthia and Nathalie).

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, September 12 at 2 PM at the Valley Seniors Activity Centre, 198 Government St, Duncan. In lieu of flowers, Joan’s wishes were for people to consider a donation to the BC SPCA.