Obituary of Joan Bridgette Brinders

1948 - 2013

It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Brinders announces her passing on Sunday, July 14, 2013 in Cranbrook at 65 years of age.

Joan was born on March 22, 1948 in Cape Town, South Africa. Joan loved her family, friends and hockey. She spent her life caring not only for her own children, but also for many others' children in her loving day home. She had an amazing ability to fall in love with all children and cared for them as if they were her own. Joan always had an open door policy in her home. She welcomed unexpected drop-ins from friends whom she greeted with a warm smile, tea and cake. Joan had an unwavering faith in God and her Saviour Jesus Christ. She faced many life challenges with grace and a steadfast belief in the power of prayer. She fought a brave and exhausting battle with diabetes and its many side effects over the past fifteen years. True to her nature, she did so with grace and an amazing sense of humour. Joan was an amazing wife and life partner to Gerald Brinders. They married December 12, 1970 and had dated for six years prior to that time. They travelled the world, lived in South Africa and the United States Of America before settling in their beloved Cranbrook. Joan was a wonderful role model of inspiration for her children and four grandchildren and all who knew her. After losing her sight and much of her mobility in 2000, Joan developed a keen interest in hockey. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than sitting by the radio listening to the Kootenay Ice play by play.

Joan is survived by her loving husband Gerald Brinders, daughters Petula (Tony) Yanew, Juliana (Lawrence) Williams, Jude (Christy) Brinders , granddaughters Jessica Williams, Rachel Yanew and Rebecca Yanew, grandson Jackson Brinders, and brothers Robert, Tyrone and Andre Jackson. She was predeceased by her parents Samuel and Edna Jackson, brothers Clive, Clarence, Edmond and Donovan Jackson and her sister Karen.

A visitation for Joan will be held at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 12:00 pm. Her memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm. Joan will be Interred in Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Joan may do so to the: East Kootenay Foundation For Health, 13 - 24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 3H9.

 

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com