Joan Hopkins

It is with profound love and sadness that we announce the passing of Joan “Joanie” Shirley Hopkins (née Beaton) on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Bethany in Airdrie, Alberta, at the age of 89.

Joan was born on May 27, 1936, at Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, to Neil and Eileen Beaton. She grew up on the Beaton family farm in Symons Valley, where she learned the value of hard work, family, and community. She developed a deep love of animals—especially horses—and often spoke of the joy she felt the day she received her own horse, Goldie.

While working at Jenkins, Joan met the love of her life, Walter Hopkins. They married on June 18, 1955, at Knox United Church in Calgary—Joan was 19, and Walter 22. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage until Walter’s passing in 2020. Their early years together were spent on the Beaton family farm, followed by moves to Forest Lawn and then to their home in Forest Heights (Calgary), where they raised their three children.

Joan was a dedicated homemaker while her children were small, pouring her energy into creating a loving, lively home. She was especially known for her delicious homemade cinnamon buns, bread, nuts and bolts and oatmeal cookies, which were family favorites and a sweet reflection of her giving nature. Later, she worked part-time as a packer at Standard Brands until her retirement at age 55. Retirement opened the door to a new chapter: she followed her passion for healing by taking reflexology and massage courses, becoming certified in both.

A truly special milestone in Joan’s life was being reunited with her daughter Joy in 2000, whom she had given up for adoption as a teenager. Their reunion was a gift, and Joy has remained a cherished part of the family ever since.

Joan and Walter later retired to an acreage west of Bowden, where they spent their days beautifying their property, gardening, planting flowers, and making treasured memories with their grandchildren. In 2004, they sold the acreage and moved to Innisfail, embracing camping, music, jamborees, and a circle of lifelong friends who adored them.

Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Generous and big-hearted, she was kind, loving, funny, and quick-witted—a true firecracker and a social butterfly who hated to be confined or alone. Her youthful spirit, radiant smile, and endless curiosity lit up every room.

She loved music, dancing, attending jamborees, reading, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and spending time in her garden—especially pulling weeds, which she said relaxed her.

In her later years at the Bethany, Joan continued to thrive. She enjoyed playing bingo, taking an eight-week art class, singing, listening to music, and spending time with her two friends Donna and Trudy—known as the “Three Musketeers.”

Joan will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dwayne Hopkins (Calgary), Randy Hopkins (Cochrane), Beverley Hopkins (Airdrie), and Joy Sorensen (High River); eight grandchildren, Shannon, Shane, Shalane, Danielle, Dylan, Jason, Melissa, and Jamie; and twelve great-grandchildren, Hanna, Haley, Alexis, Shayla, Mateo, Maxson, Joey, Matthew, Brooklyn, Parker, Olivia, and Maddison. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walte; her parents, Neil and Eileen Beaton; and her siblings, Barney, Don, Jerry, and Duke.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Dogwood Unit staff and Nicole at The Bethany for their wonderful care and compassion. A special thank-you to Lou Craig (niece), who sat with Mom, held her hand, and played hymns on her phone for four hours the day before she passed.

A Celebration of Life for both Joan and Walter will be held at a later date.

Joan will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.