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
morag Salt
Jean Timmins
My sincere sympathies to Rob & Tania & and family; and to Kathy, Margie and Wally and families.
Sandra Pilgrim-Stark
I considered Joan one of my best friends and favourite people since we first met in the Civic MOR in 1978. We worked together, skied together, went to Nursing conferences together, on trips together and so much more. I miss her dearly! My sincere condolences to her family.
Rest peacefully my friend.
Tim and Alison Binkley
Tania, Chris, Ivy and your extended family, our hearts are heavy as we think about you going through this very difficult time. It is never easy losing someone you love so much, however, may you find some solace in knowing that Joan is in a better place and is resting in peace. Sending lots of love.
Karen Appleyard
I met Joan , at Beechwood(Funeral Home)when we both worked there. We continued our friendship, after leaving. We were a threesome Joan, Diane (Delorme) & myself. We tried to meet for lunch as often as we could & have a great
chit chat. I will miss Joan & our great chats about everything including gardening. A wonderful lady & she will be missed.
Pat Dupuis
To Joan’s family. I was a nurse who worked with Joan in the Civic OR for 31 years of her 45 years. I regret not being able to attend as I will be attending a grandchild’s baptism in Toronto the day of Joan’s memorial so wanted to say Joan was always most helpful and kind when learning all OR procedures, and very professional in all ways. May she now be at peace with her Lord.
Margie Howsam
Dear Tania,
I was sorry to read of your mother's passing but am glad she was able to be at Hospice where she would have been very well cared for.
I see from the many notes that she was very highly thought of both professionally and personally. I bet she knew a dear friend and May Court colleague, Mary Armstrong, who was Head Operating Room nurse at the Civic for many years. It's so hard to say good bye to these wonderful women who contribute so much to their profession and their community. Please accept my sincere condolences. Thinking of you with sympathy.
Penny Lathem-Ringland
I am sorry to hear of Joan’s passing and extend my deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones. I knew Joan and her family well as we grew up on neighbouring farms “in the Valley”and in then in later years throughout our nursing careers at OCH. Rest in peace Joan.
Joanie Davis
My condolences to Joans family and friends at this difficult time. Joan was a wonderful nurse who was devoted, compassionate, principled and a wonderful co-worker and friend who will be sadly missed. I loved her humour and no nonsense work ethic and I count myself very fortunate that she taught me so many things.
God bless you Joan xo
Lory-Ann Thompson
My thoughts and prayers are with Joan’s family. I had the privilege to get to know Joan when she attended Community Bible Church. She always welcomed me with a smile, and was quick to offer me a kind word when she heard that my Mom was ill. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to know her. May she rest in peace.
Joan and I have been friends for over 40 years. Joan was always had an ear for your troubles and joys of our lives. Joan was a friend I could share things I could not necessarily share with other fiends, and vice versa. She was a truly kind and supportive friend, and I will miss her very much. Rest easy dear friend.