Joan Swabey passed away on February 4th at Aspen Ridge Lodge, Didsbury, with her family by side. She was 82.
Joan was born in 1941 in Edmonton, where she attended Allendale School then Strathcona High. She was introduced to Bob on a double date when she was 18, and they were married in 1962, beginning a long and loving life together.
They moved to Caroline for Bob’s first teaching job in 1964, and later lived in Smith and Hines Creek before moving to Sylvan Lake, where they spent 45 years. They belonged to tightly knit school communities in each of these places and built many long-standing friendships. In 2019 they moved to Didsbury, and Joan moved into the lodge in 2021.
In 1977, Joan began work as a teacher’s aide at H.J. Cody School, and later worked with visually impaired students. It was in this job that Joan’s creative talents and skills as a problem solver shone as she taught herself to read Braille, developed adaptive learning strategies, and transcribed textbooks. She finished her career working in the school office where Bob was the principal, which yielded much laughter. She retired in 1998.
Joan was fun to be around. She loved a night of cards – crib, golf and spoons were some favourites – and was known for her dry sense of humour, goofiness, and occasional practical jokes. She was a creative soul who enjoyed teaching herself new skills; she could make anything by hand and among her many talents, she was a great knitter and seamstress.
To say that Joan was a loving mother and grandmother would be an understatement. She was a kind and supportive mom who rarely missed a game and was happiest when all her kids were gathered around the supper table. Her grandchildren Emma, Bridget, Hannah, Morgan, Jonah, Jack, Luke, and Elliot were the lights of her life – her playfulness, patience, and love for them ran deep and as they grew up, she was their frequent advisor and confidante.
Bob was the love of her life, and they were married for an incredible 61 years. They shared passions for fishing, camping, and curling, and over the years, they enjoyed epic backcountry canoe and fishing trips with friends. They loved a good road trip and enjoyed their travels abroad with friends and family.
Joan is survived by her husband Bob, her children David, D’Arcy (Heidi), Lisa (Lee), and Alice, her eight grandkids, sisters Sharon Swabey and Linda (Alvin) Komant, and brother Wayne Kruper. She was predeceased by her parents Henry and Daisy (Berrea) Kruper, brother Bill and sister Avis.
Joan was never one for ceremony, and so a celebration of life will be scheduled for the Spring. A donation to the Alzheimer’s Society would be welcomed if you are inclined. Finally, we would like to express our deepest thanks to the staff at Aspen Ridge Lodge for their kind, gentle, and compassionate care for Joan, as well as the support and compassion they showed the family in Joan’s last days.
Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com

• Date : 2024-02-16
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Olds) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com