Obituary of Joan Gifford

JOAN GIFFORD (née GILLAN)

Joan Annetta Gifford, Stittsville, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, in her 93^rd year.

Born in Pakenham, Ontario on June 10, 1929 to the late Charles and Marguerite (née Wilson); a sister to Charles (Charlie) Gillan.   

Joan studied at MacDonald College/McGill University and at the University of Toronto where in 1952, she graduated in Dental Nursing. Ever full of fun and with a skip in her step, it is no surprise that she was the Social Representative for the Faculty of Dentistry at U of T.

After graduation, Joan moved to Ottawa where she met her future husband of 60 years,

Dr. Don Gifford who preceded her in death.  Together, they built a life, raised a family and left a legacy of which they were so very proud.

We, her children celebrate her life and constant love: Brian Gifford (Jenny Paterson),

Heather (Shaun) Seaman, Janice (Mark) Morden, Shelley (Grant) Johnson, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Gifford.

Joni was a loving friend, confidante and mentor to her adoring grandchildren: Erica (Trevor), Robbie (Shauna), Eben, Logan (Evie), Hannah, John, Spencer, Kathleen, Rachel, Caroline, Bryce, Danielle, Ethan, Aidan. She was delighted with the arrival of her two great-grandsons Elliot and Oscar. 

Joan will also be remembered by her sister-in-law Beth Gillan, her nieces, her nephew, cousins and friends.  Special thanks to Joan’s wonderful friends and the caring staff at Hazeldean Gardens, Stittsville. For those wishing to make a memorial tribute, a donation to the Canadian Wildlife Federation in Joan’s name would be greatly appreciated. www.cwf-fcf.org

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 20^th at Stittsville United Church, 6255 Fernbank Rd, Stittsville, ON.  A private interment will take place following the service. https://www.stittsvilleunitedchurch.com