Joan Elizabeth (Goodwin) Vare

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Elizabeth Vare on April 15, 2025. Joan was blessed with 88 years of a life well-lived. 

Joan was born on December 5, 1936 in Bellevue, Alberta, the first child of Albert and Elizabeth Goodwin. She was raised with an appreciation for family, hard-work and faith. After completing her school years in Bellevue, Joan attended Mount Royal College in Calgary before returning to the Crowsnest Pass. She worked in administration for Coleman Collieries and the Blairmore Forestry Department, and later as a librarian at Isabelle Sellon School. In 1957, Joan married her high school sweetheart, Roy Vare, and together they had two children, Kevin and Karen.

Joan enjoyed creating a warm and nurturing home, quilting, knitting, reading, skiing, hiking and spending time with family. She was dedicated to her faith, she played piano and taught Sunday School at the United Church and following that, attended services and bible study at the Crowsnest Community Christian Centre. Joan was surrounded by dogs her entire life, and delighted in walking her close companion, Myles, until her last days. She also had an affinity for the stock market, trading with sharp discipline and analytical skills into her 80s and engaging in discussion with anyone willing to exchange views about the market. She maintained her sense of humour, her love of nature and the outdoors, and her ability to face challenges throughout her life. 

Following Roy’s passing in 2020, Joan remained in her home relying on her inner strength and tenacity to stay as active and self-sufficient as possible, determined not to be a burden to anyone. She often talked about the warmth of the sun streaming through her living room window, the joys of feeding the birds and watching the wild animals that passed through the acreage, and the view of the mountains. Home was important to her. Joan cherished the frequent visits from her grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren, Freya and Wyn.

Joan will be remembered for her devotion to family, her love of home, and her endless wit. 

She is survived by her son, Kevin and daughter, Karen (Robert); her grandchildren, Josh (Ericka), Jess (Martina), Ben (Hilary) and Jordyn; and her great-grandchildren, Freya and Wyn. She was predeceased by her husband, Roy; her parents, Albert and Elizabeth; her brother, Doug; and her daughter-in-law, Bernice.

A private family service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crownest Pass Food Bank (PO Box 675 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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