January 16, 1928 - March 10, 2019
Winnifred Joan Parolin (nee Gillis), died on
Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Langley Gardens Care Residence. She was born on January 16, 1928, in Port Alberni, B.C., to Margaret and Warren Gillis. The family lived on Vancouver Island until moving to Surrey in 1937. Joan graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School and received her B.A. and M.Ed. from UBC. She married Joe in 1963; they had two children, Peter and Margaret. A public school teacher from 1948- 85, Joan began her career in Hope, concluding it at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary. In retirement, she served community organizations, traveled, gardened, and knitted countless socks for family and friends. Joan was a generous soul who looked out for others all her life. She was a superb cook and baker. She had a ferocious intellect, a quick wit, and a love of laughter, language, and good books. She was an idealist who took her courage in her hands. Joan is survived by her husband of 55 years, Giuseppe (Joe) Parolin; children, Peter and partner Molly; and Margaret; grandchildren Marcus and Nadia; brother Ken; four brothers-and-sisters-in-law in Italy; and three generations of nieces and nephews. A service of remembrance will be at the Valley View Funeral Home, 14644-72nd Avenue, Surrey, on Tues. March 19 at 10 am. A reception and lunch will follow. Anyone wishing to contribute in Joan's memory could donate to the Canadian Women's Foundation. Joan's family thanks the staff at Langley Gardens for the wonderful care they gave her.
Service Details
10:00 AM