Joan was born in Laraghshankill, Armagh County, Northern Ireland on August 7th, 1933 and we are sad to announce that she passed away on May 14th, 2020 at the age of 86 years, after a brief illness.
Joan is survived by her three step-children, Glenn (Deborah), Gregory and Pamela (Maria); her step-son-in-law, Reverend Harold Ritchie; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews in Ireland; and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Ad Scheske in 1999, to whom she was married in 1976; one step-daughter, Judith Ritchie of Winnipeg; and her siblings in Ireland, Reggie, Derek and Margaret.
Prior to immigrating to Canada, after obtaining her qualifications in nursing and midwifery, Joan arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1968 to enter a one year postgraduate training program in critical care and ICU nursing at Winnipeg General Hospital (H7). The concept of a special unit to care for acutely ill patients was in its infancy that year, and the new H7 unit was the first intensive care unit in North America. The unit attracted nurses and doctors for training in this new specialty from all over North America and Europe. Joan remained at Winnipeg General following her training and eventually became a head nurse in the Emergency Department. Endeavouring to further enhance her skills and training, she enrolled in the nursing degree program at the U of M, obtaining her BSc in nursing in 1976. In 1980, four years after her marriage to Ad Scheske, they moved from Winnipeg to Vernon. Upon arrival here in, Joan joined the nursing staff at Vernon Jubilee Hospital where she was employed for sixteen years until her retirement in 1996.
Joan was one of the founding members of Living Word Lutheran Church in the 1980s and was a dedicated and active member of the church. Her life in retirement years revolved around her church family. Her kindness and caring could be counted upon to help her many friends over the years, providing them with support and transportation to their various appointments etc.
Joan was well known for her large vegetable and flower garden. She eagerly shared the fruits of her labour with her many friends. She was also known for her delicious Christmas cakes that she freely delivered to her friends and family in December. Joan was proud of her Irish heritage and kept in contact throughout her life with her relatives in Northern Ireland. They will now deeply miss hearing from her as it was always so very important to keep in touch with each other.
A Graveside Service was held at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery on Thursday, May 21st, 2020 at 1:30 pm with Pastor Harold Young officiating. The number of those present was limited, in respect for the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. There will be a Celebration of Joan's Life at a later date once we are able to gather together again.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Joan to the Living Word Lutheran Church, 6525 Okanagan Landing Road, Vernon, B.C. V1H 1M5, the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, 2101-32nd Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 5L2 or to the charity of your choice.
We, Joan's family extend our special thanks to her long time physician, Dr. Ron Long, the VJH nursing staff and the staff at Heritage Square.
Funeral arrangements have been made with
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd.,
5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5]
250-542-1187
Additional Photo(s):
