Joan Darnley

We are saddened to announce the death of Joan Darnley (nee Allen) in Kanata on June 13, 2016 following a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Joan was predeceased (in 2006) by her husband, Arthur with whom she shared 52 very happy years. She leaves behind three loving children, Robert (Shayne) in Northern Ireland, Ann Gordon (late Craig) in Kanata, and Ian (Martha MacIntosh) in Calgary. She is predeceased by her brother David and survived by her cherished sisters Peggy and Betty. She will be fondly remembered by her seven grandchildren: Fenella and Jessica in the UK, Andrew and Erica in Ottawa and Duncan, Alison and Jennifer in Calgary, her nieces and nephew and many dear friends.

Born in Edgeware, London, England on April 11, 1931, Joan was the second daughter of Florence (nee Porter) and Frederick Allen. Joan's childhood in wartime England was modest and challenging. The family was forced by the war to relocate from London to Cheltenham. It was during these formative years that her qualities of hard work and devotion to family became deeply rooted. With sacrifice and support from her parents and siblings, Joan graduated from Homerton Teacher's College in Cambridge in 1951 and lived in Cambridge and Harrow before emigrating to Ottawa in 1966 with her husband and three young children. Joan worked for many years as a primary teacher at Leslie Park Public School and John Young Elementary School, retiring in 1989. Joan approached everything in life with energy, commitment and tremendous grace. An accomplished seamstress, pianist and bridge player, Joan also enjoyed a lifelong interest in theatre and music. She was a dedicated volunteer with the Kiwanis Ottawa Music Festival serving as Music Chair for many years and was awarded the James E. Brough Award for exceptional contribution and devoted service. She was a wonderful cook and Joan and Arthur frequently entertained friends and family at their home and cottage. In retirement they travelled the world and made every effort to spend time with all seven grandchildren and to be an important and influential part of their lives. A celebration of her life will be held on September 24, 2016 more details to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Parkinson's research (www.parkinson.ca) or the Kiwanis Music Festival (www.ottawakiwanismusicfestival.com). Funeral arrangements in care of Tubman Funeral Homes.