Nora Joan Beatrice Mae Willford (Bresser)

Nora Joan Beatrice Mae Bresser was born and raised in Burnaby BC, the only daughter of Mary Keadin and Eric Bresser. Raised by her mother, Joan felt a strong connection to her Irish heritage and was a self proclaimed city girl.

In April of 1954 Joan married Bob Willford, a CPR Locomotive Engineer from the west Kootenays, putting an end to her city girl days!

Joan happily embraced her new life, she enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and berry picking with her new and extended family.

As Bob and Joan’s family grew, they moved to wherever work took them.

While living in Revelstoke where they stayed for 17 years, Joan delved into genealogy long before the days of the internet. As a result of her dedicated research, we have detailed records of the Willford and Keadin family stories.

In 1977 Bob and Joan bought 60 acres north of Kaslo thinking this would be a good retirement plan. However, while Bob was away working, Joan was left to tend a wide variety of livestock including a pair of geese that were notorious for chasing Joan into the barn!

While living on the farm Joan was able to focus on her soapstone carving. Although it started as a hobby, Joan’s talent was soon recognized and her carvings were sold through Banff’s Canada House, Whistler and Vancouver Island. This was a source of great pride for Joan.

Joan’s artistic abilities knew no bounds, she was a talented seamstress, could knit and crochet, tried her hand at pottery, made many beautiful quilts and of course her soapstone carving. All through her life Joan’s hands always seemed to be creating.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ron, Ken and Bill, her husband Bob in 1998 and her son Randy in 2012.

Joan is survived by her children – David Willford (Yvonne), Bob Willford (Cheryl), Susan Dyer, Barry Willford and Shannon Willford. Joan’s grandchildren – Trish Dyer (Scott Withenshaw), Charity Biermann  (Marco), Stephanie Phillips (Trevor), Daniel Willford (Karissa), Brittney Vienneau (Alden), John & Matthew Willford. Joan’s great grandchildren – Maegan & Alexis Biermann, Daniel & Alexander Phillips, Beaumont Withenshaw, Alivia & Alena Vienneau, Brimley, Harvey & Archer Willford.

In keeping with Joan’s wishes there will be no formal service.

Our family would like to extend our deep gratitude to Kootenay Street Village for their compassion and kindness as they cared for Joan.

mcphersonfh.com

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