Tribute

Obituary for Joan Christine Boxwell

February 23, 1966 – July 19, 2026

Joan Christine Boxwell passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026. She was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to Canada as a toddler with her older sister Janet. Her early childhood took her through several communities as the family settled into their new life: first Mississauga, then Ottawa, and later Moncton, New Brunswick. These years were filled with long camping road trips across eastern Canada, travelling with family pets and exploring the landscapes of Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The family visited beaches, natural areas, and historic sites including the Fortress of Louisbourg, the Anne of Green Gables house, and Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy. Joan had a particular fondness for the family pets over the years, especially Sandy the Basset Hound and Joey the Cocker Spaniel.

Joan’s personality showed itself early. When she and Janet shared a childhood bedroom, the division of space was unmistakable: “No one could be confused about which side was whose. Joan’s side was neatly vacuumed with a straight line down the middle!” Her love of order and organization stayed with her throughout her life.

The family eventually made their home in Nanaimo, British Columbia, where Joan attended Nanaimo Secondary School and grew up with her siblings Janet (Hans), Peter (Penny), Tricia, and Robin (Nicole). Her youngest brother, Andrew, was born after she had already entered adulthood. As adults, she and her siblings were roommates at different points, sharing space, support, and humour as their lives unfolded. Joan is survived by her mother, Marilyn, and predeceased by her father, Robert.

Joan trained as a Medical Office Assistant at Vancouver Community College and went on to work for doctors and specialists at UBC and in Nanaimo. She also spent time self-employed as an efficient and accurate transcriptionist, well versed in medical terminology. She was so good at her work. Her sharp mind was always eager to learn, and she was well liked at work for her reliability, her organization, and the way she connected with patients. She enjoyed the conversations, the stories, and the steady flow of people, and she was genuinely curious about the medical world she worked within.

In her Vancouver era in her twenties, she created beautiful home environments that reflected her interests and personality. She had a green thumb and every home featured a small indoor jungle of house plants. The walls were covered with her photography, including prints and collages she created during her time with the Nanaimo Photography Club. One of Joan’s greatest adventures was a solo trip across Costa Rica, where she revelled in the wildlife, culture, and language. Her very neatly organized photo albums captured that experience beautifully.

Joan was a proud and supportive aunt to Leanna (Brian), Husayn (Lisa), Teya and Rowan and great aunt to 5 young boys. She celebrated her family’s achievements and always offered thoughtful gestures. When one sister moved north to Inuvik, Joan sent her a “hairy biologist catching kit,” net included. These moments showed her humour and her habit of cheering others on.

Later in life, Joan found comfort in her own spiritual beliefs and maintained a personal faith in God. She became passionate about Judeo-Christianity and even began learning Hebrew in her spare time. She had a deep love for Yeshua and his teachings, and she spoke openly about being at peace with the idea of passing on and being reunited with her maker.

Throughout her life, Joan remained a gentle and uplifting presence. She listened with genuine curiosity, laughed easily, and carried a steady optimism that made her easy to be around. Her absence leaves a quiet ache, but her spirit endures in the memories she shaped and the love she shared so freely.

In keeping with her appreciation for the natural world, Joan’s remains will be laid to rest through a green burial on Salt Spring Island, arranged with Hayward’s Funeral Service. The family would like to thank the staff of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their care and compassion during her final days.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.