It is with great sadness that we announce Joan’s passing on Saturday, March 22, 2025. She was welcomed into the Kingdom of her Lord at the age of 80 years. Born in Ottawa on November 18, 1944, to the late John and Winifred Owens (nee Marston) of Arnprior. Devoted and loving mother to Rob Owens (Bonnie Clement) of Merrickville and Tania Turpin (Chris Colman) of Ottawa. Cherished grandmother to Ivy Turpin. Predeceased by her brother Robert Owens (1973), she will also be deeply missed by her sisters Kathleen Lesway (the late John) of Almonte and Margaret Loughead (Wallace) of Manotick. Special Aunt to Michael Lesway (Sharon Roxborough), Kristen Cowan (Ben), Jennika Maheral (Derek) and Joshua Loughead (Ariana Garcia). She will also be dearly missed by her circle of devoted friends.
A proud graduate of the Ottawa Civic Hospital School of Nursing (Class of ‘66), she completed a successful 45-year career in the operating room before retiring in October of 2012. After which she joined her daughter to work at Beechwood as a hostess. She ran the Beechwood kitchen the way she ran the operating room…clean and orderly.
Joan’s family would like to extend a heartfelt and gracious ‘Thank You!’ to Dr. Barry Dworkin, Dr. Kyle Walker, Dr. Katerina Spacek, Assurance Home Care (specifically mom’s PSW, Swasta) and the incredible staff at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice.
Family and friends are invited to attend Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, for a Visitation on Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 12 noon until the time of the Memorial Service at 1 p.m., in Beechwood’s Sacred Space. Reception to follow. Interment in Whyte’s Cemetery (Fitzroy Harbour) at a later date. As much as Joan loved flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Care Ottawa (Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice), the Ottawa Humane Society or The War Amps, in her honour.
Digital Guestbook
Lynn Corbett
Emma Bereza class of OCH 1959
Many years of work and play in the operating room at the Ottawa Civic.
Sue Dolan
Wherever a beautiful has been,
There is a trail of beautiful memories !
Rest in peace Joan - We met in the Main OR in '69 - a great teacher and nurse - you will be missed.
Valerie Wilkie
Joan was a wonderful work colleague in the Main Operating Room at the Civic Campus. She was a mentor to all of us. My condolences to the family.
Sheila Balmer
I am thankful to have gotten to know Joan over the years in Bible studies and small groups at Community Bible Church. She was a faithful, kind and steady presence who loved God.
“Absent from the body and at home with the Lord”.
Pat Lashansky
Joan, you are a shining star in all the hearts you touched ! Ottawa Civic OR Nurses
Rowena Cooper
Rest in Peace, Joan. You will be missed.
Krista Grakist
It was a blessing to know Joan, and she loved Hudson's corn. Condolences to those who are left, may you cherish the great memories.
Tim and Alison Binkley
Our hearts are heavy for you, Tania, Chris and your entire family during this very difficult time. May you find solace that your Mom is now resting in peace. Lots of love.
Tim and Alison Binkley
Our hearts are heavy for you Tania, Chris, Ivy and your extended family during this extremely difficult time. May you one day find solace that your Mom/Joan will be resting in peace. Lots of love.
Very sad to hear of Joan’s passing. Enjoyed her sense of humour and working with her for many years