Patricia Joan Glanfield (Joan Glanfield)

We are so very sad to announce the passing of our loving mom, mother-in-law, grandma and friend. The final chapter of her life’s tale began with another adventure – On February 6^th, a day into her vacation in Peurto Vallarta, Mexico, Joan became seriously ill and was admitted to a local hospital. Her daughters & niece arrived quickly to support her in whichever way possible while she underwent surgery and recovery. She was medi-vacced to Kelowna General Hospital on February 27^th where she was moved to a private room and, after good-byes to friends and family, she passed in the early hours of Monday, March 11^th. Joan will be deeply missed by her daughters Allison (& Guy O’Connor) of Enderby, Jody (& Moyasser Mahmoud) of Nanaimo, her grandchildren, Kiernan and Adam, by her nieces and nephews, cousins and by her many friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Brian Glanfield in 2018, her brother and sister-in-law, Terence (Terry) in and Kathy Upton of Vernon, B.C. in 2012 and 2023.

Patricia Joan Upton was born to Frederick Maurice and Gladys Donna Upton at the Kelowna General Hospital and was raised nearby in a small house on Pandosy street. A school year in bed due to scarlet fever left Joan an avid reader, with daydreams of adventures and fairy tales.  Her own adventures began in 1963 when she met Brian Adair Glanfield while attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton. After marriage they left Canada for England, spending 2 years teaching in Birmingham, and travelling Europe. Upon returning they took teaching positions in what was then called Holman Island in the Arctic. They spent 3 years teaching and experiencing the culture of the Inuit. In 1972 their first child was born, Allison. They took a year to travel across Canada and down the Eastern seaboard to Florida, where they spent several months living in a tent on the Keyes. The next adventure took them to teaching jobs near Beaverlodge, Alberta for 6 years, where baby Jody was born. Joan and Brian built their first house in Beaverlodge and spent many summers camping and travelling with their daughters in their orange Volkswagon camper. In 1980, Joan and Brian moved again. To a farm in Grindrod, B.C. where good friends convinced them to homestead and live off the land. From here, besides developing a love of gardening, Joan taught at Elementary schools in Ashton Creek, Sicamous, and eventually Enderby’s M.V. Beattie. In 1987 Joan and Brian bought their beloved dream home on Glenmary Road, close to Enderby, B.C. From here they spent their years teaching, gardening (together they created beautiful flower gardens on their property, spending many hours in spring and fall landscaping and harvesting) travelling (often with or to visit their daughters), trips to Northern B.C. and the Yukon, Baja Mexico, South America, Bulgaria and the Middle East – doing all they loved, including spending time with family and friends. They attended St. Andrew’s United Church in Enderby and after retirement volunteered in many community events and organizations such as the Cornerstone Garden, the Food Bank and Twice but Nice.

In January 2016 Brian was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. It was time to down-size. They sold their home to their daughter Allison & partner (Guy O’Connor), and they moved into their new home at #4 Regency on the River. Sadly, Brian passed away in May, 2018. After 50 years of life as part of a loving couple, Joan bravely continued on-to volunteer in the community, to support her daughters and their families, to travel and spend time with her friends. She continued to adventure – to Mexico, to Yuma, Arizona, to Morocco and Portugal in 2020! Right up until her passing in March 2024. As per her request, Joan’s body was cremated and her ashes were interned with her husband’s in the Enderby Graveyard. A service was held in her memory on April 20^th, 2024 at St. Andrew’s United Church and her life was celebrated at a luncheon following.  Her family wish to thank all those who could attend and who spoke on her behalf.  Her family also wish to apologize to all those who may have missed the event due to lack of contact. Our sincere apologies.Donations on her behalf can be made to St. Andrew’s United Church in Enderby (standrewsenderby.com), or to Mackenzie Camp (mackenziecamp.ca).

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: