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
Jody and Sean Graham
Richard Hladkowicz
My deepest condolences to Joan’s extended family.
I had the privilege to work with Joan in the operating room for thirty years.
She was an outstanding nurse exemplifying compassion and joy to the patients
and coworkers she crossed paths with each day.
Joan is now blessed with eternal happiness in the Kingdom of her Lord.
Sue Woodford
We were blessed to live beside Joan for over 20 years. She was the epitome of a perfect neighbour, thoughtful, kind, and always smiling. Her garden was her happy place and she kept it awe-inspiringly beautiful. When we got a puppy, Joan showered her with love. She would squeeze her hand through the fence to pet her and give her treats. Animals have the innate ability to sense the goodness in people, and Graih just adored Joan.
Joan was one of a kind, and we miss her terribly.
Thinking of you all.
Jim, Sue, Heather, and Shannon
Tania, Chris & Ivy sending our deepest condolences. We are here for you whenever you need support. Our hearts go out to your family during this very sad time. Our love and prayers are with you. xo