Joan Day

Elizabeth Ruby Day September 15, 1933  -  July 18, 2026

A celebration of Joan's life will be held on Saturday, August 8th at 2:00 pm at McDougall United Church

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Day on Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at the age of 92.

Born in Moose Jaw, SK on September 15th, 1933 to Clifford and Nancy Roszell, Joan grew up on the family farm near Briercrest, SK. After graduating from Central Collegiate High School, she attended Moose Jaw Normal School where she obtained a teaching certificate. In 1952, she began teaching in Mortlach, SK. On August 8th, 1953 she married Cecil Day in Moose Jaw and all three of their children were born there. In 1960, the young family moved west and eventually settled in Calgary.

Joan returned to teaching in 1966 at Happy Hours Kindergarten and then taught Kindergarten and Grade 1 for CBE while earning her Bachelor of Education degree at U of C. She retired from teaching in 1988 at which time she opened Crafty Bears in the the Marda Loop area. She sold the shop in 1994 to travel the world with Cecil, pursue her many hobbies, and spend time with her grandchildren.

Being a creative person is who Joan was. She loved to knit, sew, garden, paint, bake and cook, but her passion was making bears. She lovingly made hundreds of bears over her lifetime. She sold some, but mostly gave them away as gifts to family, people she cared for and people who needed them. Each bear was made with its own personality and carried Joan's love to the recipient.

Joan and Cecil became active members at McDougall United Church in 1963. Joan held many volunteer positions at the church through the years and sang in the choir for much of that time. McDougall is where numerous of their lasting friendships were created and cultivated.

With all her accomplishments, Joan's greatest joy was her family. She and Cecil had three children: Stuart (Terry), Kevin (Erin). and Denise (Daren), 10 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Their Canyon Meadows home was the center of many wonderful meals and celebrations while the family vacations created lasting memories for us all.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her brother Doug and her beloved husband Cecil. She is survived by her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family is extremely grateful to the staff of the Manor at Fish Creek Park for their amazing care and compassion over the last six years. We are also thankful for the help that we received from her Nurse next Door companions over the last three years.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.