Joan Patricia Schultz

Joan Patricia Schultz was born in London, England in 1923.

Joan's graduation from school coincided with the beginning of WW2. She became a member of the WAAF, (Women's Auxiliary Air Force), working as a code and cipher officer at Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. On March 06, 1946, Joan married her childhood sweetheart, David. They had first met on a family vacation at Croyde, in North Devon, at the age of five. At the end of their time at the seaside, David had promised to Joan that he would marry her, when they had grown up. He was true to his word!

David and Joan spent the first five years of their marriage living in Copenhagen, Denmark. Joan was immersed in the culture and traditions, with the friends and relatives of David's family. Joan was an avid learner and quickly became fluent in the Danish language. She also came to treasure the Danish understanding of the word, 'hygge', used to describe the idea of warm, cozy, and welcoming.

In 1951, Joan and David immigrated to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax and moving West to become established in Vancouver, BC. They lived in the Lower Mainland for close to 30 years. They raised their treasured daughters, Jennifer Mary (Ted), Susan Juliet (Hal), Joanna Christine (John), and Melanie Joy (Ken) in Albion and later across the Fraser River, they moved to Fort Langley.

Joan was very involved in these local communities during those years. The Schultz family enjoyed some wonderful vacations, including a road trip to Disneyland, in their VW van. Several years later David and Joan embarked on a return trip to Denmark, introducing their daughters to family and friends and to a country that had existed only in stories and dreams.

Joan was gifted in the handwork of Cross Stitch, sewing the histories of significant occasions; weddings, anniversaries, and the arrival of grandchildren. She also commemorated special celebrations that were important to Canada as well as trips taken together as a couple.

In 1978, Joan and David moved to Victoria. Joan continued to work as a Medical Records Librarian, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Following her retirement, Joan relished planning a semi wild garden and especially enjoyed spending early mornings watering the garden during the summer months, with David as her assistant! It was a beautiful, peaceful haven, with the sound of the birds and bees and the trickling of the water fountain.

Joan grew in her love of literature, expanding her skills as a writer of poetry and prose. She also became a member of the Story Tellers Guild, meeting regularly, and sharing her craft at special events and in the local schools. During this time Joan, affectionately became known as Janna: a name that she had chosen, after a well known writer, which more fully represented the essence of whom she had become. Janna's special relationship with her fellow story tellers, known as the 'Moon Sisters' continued for the rest of her life and she treasured this friendship deeply.

Janna and David welcomed 8 grandchildren and spouses, into the family, and eventually 8 great grandchildren. Celebrating Great Granny's 100th birthday was a truly grand occasion!

As a couple, Janna and David shared the gift of hospitality. Their home represented a full expression of the word Hygge. They welcomed both old and new friends, of all ages, embracing various stories and exchanging life experiences, around the large dining room table or outside on their porch in the sun. This was accompanied by a delicious meal, baked goods, or snacks, over a chilled mug of beer, glass of wine, or strong coffee. There were always candles and music. Janna and David, both possessed an innate sense of curiosity and interest in those around them and the world in which they lived. They enjoyed travelling together and Janna also made some solo trips to West Africa, England and Greece, and the Maritimes.

In later years, Janna and David enjoyed their daily walks, with their poodle, Ping, evenings by the fireside, and corresponding with family and friends. They never tired of listening to the adventures and travels, involving others from the next generations.

Janna's beloved David passed away 10 years ago, at the age of 90. She continued her daily walks and kept in touch with many through the internet! Janna loved her strolls through Beacon Hill Park and along the ocean front, close to her new home at Amica, enjoying tremendous good health and involvement in activities and monthly outings. Janna lived her life with immense gratitude, most recognized in her sparkling blue eyes, her words of kindness, and her joyful spirit.

On October 21, after a short decline in her health, and with her family surrounding her, Janna passed away peacefully, into the presence of her God and her cherished husband, David.

We want to express our great appreciation to the wonderful staff who became her dear friends and community during her seven years, at Amica.

We also want to thank Dr. Fiona Manning for her attentive, supportive, and generosity in caring for Janna over the years. We are deeply grateful.

A celebration of Janna's life will take place in early Spring,