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Apr 6, 1934 - Mar 29, 2018
Our lovely wife, mother and grandmother left us on March 29th, at Sunshine Valley, Polson Residential Care. Born in Vernon on April 6, 1934, to Ellodie and Cecil Rivett, Joan later married her soul mate, Keith Brewis, on March 14, 1953.

When reminiscing about growing up in Vernon, Joan would often recall how she and her friends would catch the train to Kal Beach, from the downtown station. Other childhood memories included visits with family friends at Okanagan Lake, rides in Dubby's rumble seat, and a family vacation to Saskatchewan, where she endured rain, mud and mosquitos. Working as a teen usher at the Capital Theatre, Joan developed a love of movies that lasted her lifetime. She could often be found enjoying a bowl of popcorn and a favourite video.

Joan's roots in the community were deep. As a young girl, she was a proud Brownie, and she grew up to be a long time member of the Pythian Sisters, and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary. A loving mother and homemaker, she also worked a number of different jobs over the years. She and Keith were members of the Kalamalka Country Club for about 15 years, and she skied both downhill and cross-country over many winter seasons. Once a week, for many years, Joan joined close friends for an afternoon of Bridge. She was always up for a game of cards!

Joan's passion for the arts began in childhood, and she became known for her beautiful handcrafts, knitting and paintings. She could often be heard playing some favourite tunes on her piano, and she passed her love for music onto her grandchildren. Joan also loved to travel, making trips with Keith to Hawaii, California, and Europe.

She cherished long summers at the family cabin on the Shuswap, where she loved to sit on the deck, overlooking the water, enjoying "happy hour". Early mornings, feeding the squirrels and watching the hummingbirds, and late nights making s'mores by the campfire were some of her favourite moments. And she always looked forward to the arrival of her grandchildren, spending many hours swimming and playing with them. Joan shared her love of this special place with her family and friends, creating many precious memories at the beach.

Although Joan faced many health related challenges throughout her adult life, she always showed much courage, determination and strength. And it was these qualities that continued to amaze all those who love her, even in her final days. €Her radiant smile will live in our hearts always.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her sister Evelyn Green, and brother-in-law Dick Green. She will be forever loved and missed by her family; husband Keith, son Bob (Claudia), daughter Beverly, son Jeff (Valerie), sister Shirley (Eric) and grandchildren, Molly, Mya, Taylor and Cole.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care shown by the staff of Heron Grove and Polson Residential.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.



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