MADISON, Joan Mary Madison

Passed away peacefully with all of her family by her side on October 30, 2025, at the age of 95. A vibrant, curious, and spirited woman, Joan lived her life with boldness, wit, and a deep love for nature, family, and learning.

Born in Montreal to Mary and Henry King, Joan spent her early years between Montreal and Ottawa alongside her younger brother, Bing. Summers were spent at the family cottage in Weir, in the Laurentians of Quebec, where she developed a lifelong love for the forest and canoeing.

She began her career as a nurse, then followed her adventurous spirit to become a stewardess with Trans-Canada Airlines. After transferring to Vancouver, she met Peter Richards, her first husband, and raised two daughters, Cindy and Beth. Joan made motherhood a whirlwind of adventure—exploring the outdoors, singing on walks to school, enthusiastically attending Beth’s horse shows, and teaching Cindy to weave and paint watercolours.

In the 1970s, her love of nature and animals led her to volunteer at the Vancouver Aquarium, where she would feed the beluga whales—who adored her. Music was another lifelong joy—she sang in choirs, at family gatherings, and often just around the house, filling it with warmth and laughter.

Later in life, she worked at the Cancer Institute, joined the Naturalists’ Society, and hiked up and down the West Coast. On a flight to Hawaii in 1979, she met Dave, her partner in a joyful new chapter filled with hikes, theatre, and weekends at Mount Baker—often with their grandchildren, Gordie and Rachelle.

When her family moved to Kelowna, Joan and Dave didn’t hesitate—they packed up and followed. She said she didn’t want to be a “bus granny”—she wanted to be part of the action, right there in the thick of her family’s life.

Joan was known for her bold fashion, quick wit, deep curiosity, and legendary energy. She loved plants, art, people, animals, and most of all—being a grandmother. She was the kind of granny who showed up early, stayed late, and made everything more fun. She brought joy, warmth, and her unmistakable spark into every moment. Her presence shaped her grandchildren’s lives in unforgettable ways.

Joan is survived by her husband, David; her brother, Bing; her daughters, Cindy and Beth (Bob); her grandchildren, Rachelle (and great-granddog Kula) and Gordie (Valencia); and her great-grandchildren, Paxton and Dexter. She is lovingly remembered by all those who adored her.