October 22, 1935 - December 19, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
sunrise October 22, 1935
sunset December 19, 2024
Mom was born the 7th of 8 children to Frank and Ada Wingate on the farm near Rimbey, Alberta.
Mom grew up just down the road from the Kraft family and eventually married Benjamin Kraft. Over the next 8 years of marriage they added 5 children (Ariel, Bonnie, Brian, Lori and Marni).
Shortly after Marni was born the family moved to B.C. where Ben began his career as a heavy duty mechanic/welder. Mom was a stay at home mom, always cooking, cleaning, gardening and preserving her harvest. She was a very supportive soft place for us kids to land.
Mom had a love of music and learned to play the guitar and harmonica, eventually, mom and dad created a band and played their music for dances and events for the next 40 years.
Mom gave of her time in her community by being a very active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99 & ladies auxiliary. She also canvassed for the cancer society and donated blood to the Red Cross loyally for many years.
When the kids were grown, mom and dad were able to travel and enjoyed trips to Mexico and Arizona. They also had many friends with boats and spent many summers aboard the "Hungry Horse" on Shuswap Lake.
Dad passed away in 1995, just short of their 40th anniversary. Mom met Al Stevens in 2000, the two connected and made a wonderful life of desert dwelling and dancing until mom couldn't anymore. Al was a devoted and loving partner to mom and cared for her right up until her last breath. His commitment to mom was extraordinary and we remain grateful for his love for her.
Mama Joan was Grama and Great Grama to many kids, even some that weren't related.
Left to mourn our loss,
Al Stevens
Ariel and son Tyler
Bonnie and George
Lee, Vicky, Liam and Austin Steven, Ashley, Piper and Felix
Brian and Dauna
Brad, Makayla and Brayden Chris, Chelsea, Taryn and Alix
Lori and Dean
Alissa, Steve, Max and Daisy Shawna, Brynn and Asher
Robin, Andrew, Rio, Finn and Oliver Marni, and sons Ben and Tommy Tania, Gemma and MacKenzie Special Son-in-Law Garry De Vos
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com