September 2, 1936 - June 5, 2018
Joan (Mummy, Nanny, Sister, Aunty, Daughter and Wife) died peacefully on Tuesday, June 5th having been surrounded by her loving children Diana, Marcus, Sean, Portia, Nevin and Aindrea, and daughters-in-law Angela and Cindy. She will be missed by in-laws Al, Irma, and Cory. She leaves behind an older brother Charlie Lenney of Camrose Alberta, younger sister Sheila Lenney of Port Alberni, and Aunt Gloria Roberts of Langley. Joan is preceded in death by her youngest brother Brian (Tony) Lenney and her beloved husband Patrick.
Joan was born in Rangoon, Burma to Everyl Lenney (nee Foster) and Alfred Lenney while he was stationed with the British Kings Royal Rifle Army in Burma. On route back to London, Joan traveled through India and was able to sit on her Grandmother's lap before the family settled in London. During WWII, the family was evacuated to York, where Dr. Ellis took in her Mother and 4 small children. After the war, the family set up shop on Link Avenue where Joan helped in the Post Office. She was very proud of attending The Bar Convent; she especially loved ballet and tap. Joan became a qualified Dental Assistant.
The family immigrated to Vancouver, BC in 1957, where Joan worked as a Dental Assistant downtown. She met her husband Patrick Smith when he became a patient. They married and had their first 5 children. The family then immigrated to the United States in 1969, as Patrick completed his PhD. Her youngest child was then born at UCLA. In 1971, the family moved to Riverside California where Joan made friends while driving her children to school and sporting activities. She worked at St Catherine's school in the office and library. The next move in 1976 was to Rockville, Maryland on Southend Rd where she again made lifelong friends. The family moved in 1982 to Ft Worth Texas where three of her children and their families still live. She loved celebrating St Patrick's Day on Topper Court. In 1987, Joan, Patrick and Aindrea moved to Ellensburg, Washington where her daughter and family still live.
Joan and Patrick retired to Skutz Falls near Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island in 1993 where she made amazing friends through the Senior Center and Line Dancing. Joan was so proud to participate in the 1st Great Walk and loved all the friends she made in Lake Cowichan. She loved the beauty and nature of the Cowichan Valley and was always eager for visitors to show them her hidden treasure, like the elk & bears. Joan especially enjoyed showing her sons-in-law Al and Cory the farm. Joan moved to Chemainus in 2016 after losing her beloved husband of 58 years.
Joan is best remembered for her deep love & commitment to: Faith (Catholic), Family and Friendships. Her loving kindness, big smile, enduring friendships she kept over the ages is her legacy. She was still in touch with her childhood friends from York, UK and kept in touch with the families of all that she counted as friends. Joan was especially close to her Aunts & cousins. Joan made lifelong friends wherever she lived and was most proud of her six children and 11 grandchildren.
The family wants to thank the nurses and medical staff & Dr Postuk of 2nd floor south, 2 West at Cowichan District Hospital that assisted her during her last days, along with Dr. Heidi Pastowski and Colleen Johel. Also, special thanks to all the friends that visited, baked and supported the family.
Family will be holding a Funeral Mass at St Ann's Catholic Church in Duncan, September 22, 2018 at 11:00 AM.
She will be missed more than words can say by her family and friends.