Joan was a loving wife, mother, grand-mother, and great-grandmother.
She was born in New Westminster, the 5th of 10 children, growing up on “Douglas Road”. She regaled to her children on how tough her and her siblings were – all with a twinkle in her eye. On September 5, 1956, she married her beloved husband, Nick, and spent the rest of their married life in the house they built behind the nursery. There they raised their 5 children: Debbie (Mike), David (Cindy), Wim (Alison), Cindy (Mark) and Sarah (Mike). This house became more than a house. It was the home to innumerable gatherings for both sides of the family – Ericksons and VanderZalms. Here was where Auntie Joan shone. We will all miss her amazing meals …. and her pies!
Her faith and her church, St. Peter’s, were a constant in her life. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League where she also served as president, and she always kept the priests well stocked with her baking. Nick and Joan made sure that the grounds of the church were adorned with beautiful flowers and the liturgical celebrations well decked out with poinsettias and Easter lilies.
Joan is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren with 2 more great-grandchildren on the way. She will be greatly missed. Our hearts, however, are lightened knowing that she is back together with Nick and all her beloved family that has predeceased her.
A funeral mass will be held November 3, 10 am at St. Peter’s Church, 330 Royal Ave. New Westminster. Immediately following there will be a reception at Kearney’s Funeral Home at 219 6th St. New Westminster. Interment at Gardens of Gethsemani, 15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey will be at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity in memory of Joan.