Obituary of Joan Maureen Connors

Joan Maureen Connors (nee Simmonds) Joan Connors of Surrey BC passed away in the early morning of September 21, 2019. Her loving daughter Lori was at her bedside giving her comfort as she slipped away at the Irene Thomas Hospice where she had been for the last 7 weeks. Joan is survived by her husband William Connors, sons Brent and Brian Connors, daughter Lori Diggens (nee Connors), son in law Rick Diggens, daughter in laws Margie and Olivia. Grandchildren, Kenton and wife Sarah (nee Fletcher) Brandon, Deanna and husband Robby Buchin, Julia and husband Omar Omar, Caitlyn, Laura and Emerson. Great grandchildren Levi, Carter, and Abigail. Her brother James Simmonds and sister Doreen Ahlgren of Vermilion, Alberta. She was predeceased by her siblings, Ivy, Katherine, Josephine, Denny, and Bill. Joan was born in Vermilion Alberta on February 12, 1931 and spent her youth on the family farm, which is still owned and run by her brother Jim. She was proud of her prairie roots, returning as often as she could to visit friends and family. She moved to the West Coast in 1948 working at a plywood lumber mill in New Westminster. She met her husband Bill during this time and was married in Maillardville, Coquitlam, BC in 1953. They were married for 66 years. As a young couple they were given a small piece of property from their family. This was located on Crescent Road where they built their first home together, literally by hand. In 1955 they were joined by twin boys, Brent and Brian who were the first twins to be born in Peace Arch Hospital, and then completing the family three years later, a daughter named Lori. The home on Crescent Road was where the family grew up. Bill and Joan lived there for 62 years and finally sold in 2015, moving to a retirement home in Cloverdale. She was an avid bowler at the Sandcastle lanes for years and years. She also loved to dance, and knew all the words to those good ole country western songs. A daily crossword, playing cards, scrabble and beating all her grandkids at Banagrams was a delight to see. Joan will always be remembered for her love of family. It was always a priority for her to know how her entire family was doing; if anyone needed any help she would try her best to give assistance. She loved having her family over to her house. So many meals were made with her loving hands, homemade cookies, treats, and a “never empty” candy bowl kept especially for the grandkids. You could always count on the door being welcoming open to come in, sit down and have a cup of tea and goodies at any time of the day or night. She kept Christmas especially close to her heart, hoping family could all be there to sit around the table and enjoy each other’s company. Joan had a special gracious ability of making everyone feel at home and comfortable. Joan Maureen Connors will return to her prairie home of Vermillion Alberta to be interred with her family. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who knew her. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the BC Cancer Society.