Patricia "Joan" Cunningham (nee Van Norman)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital after a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer.

Joan was predeceased by her parents Bill and Audrey Van Norman and her brother Bill. She is survived by her sister Maryann Little (John), nieces Cheryl Kimber (Mike) and Kelsi Corkum (Pat), her nephews Chad Schaff (Kim), Blake Van Norman and Christopher Van Norman. Great nieces, Erika Kimber and Stokli Corkum and great nephews Tucker Schaff, Kayleb Van Norman, Gavin Van Norman and Maddox Corkum.

While still a baby, Joan with her parents, sister and brother moved to Port Coquitlam, she graduated high school there and went on to become a hairdresser. She moved to Salmon Arm in 1975. There she spent several years as a bartender, followed by 20 years of working for Social Services. She moved to Sidney, B.C. for two years before returning to Salmon Arm in 2020.

For many years of Joan’s adult life, she devoted herself to foster parenthood and as “Mum” is also survived by over thirty foster children. Her very first, Tera, was at her side when she passed.

Joan was a true community worker and organizer, and she was known for doing things her way, a trait the family appreciated and understood.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deepest gratitude the support of friends and family the last year. And special thanks to the Doctors, nurses and support staff of the Shuswap Lake General Hospital.

A memorial service will be held in Salmon Arm in one of the early months of 2023.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shuswap Lake General Hospital or a charity of choice.