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ELLIS – Joan Zillah (nee Brealey) of Squamish B.C., born in Victoria B.C. and formerly of Oliver and Vancouver B.C. Joan passed away peacefully, on June 26, 2017, at the age of 92, at Lions Gate Hospital from complications of cancer. Joan was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, John (Jack) Marsden Ellis in 2003. She will be sadly missed by her children, Penny (grandson, Michael and his wife, Erynn and her great-granddaughter, Lucia), Lesley (husband Brian), Tony (wife Lesley), Stephanie (husband John and her granddaughter, Heather), and Jennifer (husband Dan and his family). She is also survived by Jack’s Ontario family, especially her beloved niece, Tammy and her mother, Rachel. Joan and Jack raised their five children in Kitsilano. Joan returned to the workforce in the Registrar’s Office at UBC. After retiring, they travelled the world but also enjoyed “glamping” in their camper van around the province. They decided to settle in Oliver, B.C., the Wine Capital of Canada, in 1990. They thoroughly enjoyed their beautiful house and lovely gardens. They made many dear friends in the Okanagan, an area of B.C. which they dearly loved. Joan lived many years in her house after Jack died before moving to Shannon Falls Retirement Residence in Squamish B.C. in 2014 to be closer to her family, especially Jenn. The family wishes to thank Dr. Sheila Swope and the excellent staff at Shannon Falls Retirement Residence for their kindness and compassion. We are also grateful to Anita Woitt for being Joan’s dear companion and friend. We thank the Lions Gate Hospital Emergency Room and ICU staff. If so desired, donations may be made to The Canadian Red Cross at redcross.ca or unicef canada at secure.unicef.ca in Joan’s name. As Tammy put it so beautifully, our mother was a truly independent spirit, who had a great sense of humour, loved her glass of wine, scotch and dark chocolate and her many pairs of earrings. She embraced life with joy and determination, wisdom and love. She is now happily reunited with Jack, the love of her life. Her legacy lives on in all who knew and loved her. To write a condolence to the family, please go to www.squamishfuneralchapel.com.