Obituary of Joan Cairns Carter
Joan (Anne) Cairns Carter (nee Hislop) July 11, 1930 - November 16, 2023.
On the news of her passing, it is with love and gratitude that we remember our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Joan is survived by children, Patricia and Doug (Lisa); grandchildren, Elise Tupper, Eden Carter and Spencer Carter; great grandson, Bryce Tupper; sister-in-law, Marjorie Hislop, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, Wallace (Wally); parents, Tom and Janet Hislop, who emigrated from Scotland; siblings, William, Rodell, Robert and James; and brother-in-law, Fred Pugh.
Born in Shellbrook, SK, Joan grew up on the family farm just northeast of town, where she cherished the outdoor life near the Shell River, as well as the horses and dogs who grew up with her. In early years, Joan was involved in CGIT, United Church Youth Group and attended Camp Tamarack in the summer. After graduating from Shellbrook High School, Joan enrolled in the Registered Nursing Program at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, earning her RN in 1952. While in training Joan met a handsome bus driver named Wallace Carter who was driving the STC bus, which delivered her to and from her training and the farm. They fell in love and after marrying in 1956 moved to Moose Jaw, SK, where Joan worked as a nurse in the Regina and Moose Jaw Union Hospitals. In 1957 they welcomed a daughter, Patricia, followed two years later by a son, Douglas. After a wonderful thirteen years in Moose Jaw, the family relocated to Prince Albert in 1969 for work and to be closer to extended family. Joan continued her nursing career in Prince Albert at the Holy Family Hospital, Lion’s Nursing Home, and North Park Centre, from which she retired in 1986.
Joan loved time with her family and cooking and baking for all. Though she had many hobbies and interests, none sparked more passion than her love of dogs and gardening. Retirement was filled all these things as well as travels to a variety of places including several trips to Scotland, England, and North American points of interest. Joan often reminisced about her fond memories of these travels, especially the flower shows she visited and the dogs she’d seen. Though family, especially grandchildren, remained her primary focus in her later years, Joan also earned a reputation for her baking and the preparation of chicken pot pies in support of the United Church and the SPCA.
Joan was a loving and generous daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother throughout her life. Strength of character, caring, loyalty, and a sharp wit were her trademarks. She will be profoundly missed by all of us.
A private graveside service will be held at a future time. It is the family’s request that those wishing to pay tribute do so by donating the Prince Albert SPCA in lieu of flowers.
Sincerest thanks to the physicians and the health care teams at PA Home Care and Parkland Integrated Health Centre-Long Term Care for their compassion and thoughtfulness.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK (306) 763-3322.
