Obituary of Joan Winifred POULSEN (formerly Barnes/nee Cleal)

May 13, 1926 - Ascot, Berkshire
December 4, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Joan Poulsen on Friday, December 4, 2020, at the age of 94 years.

Joan was born on May 13, 1926, in Sunninghill Park Gardens, UK, to parents, Walter and Winifred Cleal.

In 1956, Joan married her first husband, John Edward Barnes, who was also from the UK. Together they sailed that same year to Canada, where they took up permanent residence, eventually settling in Calgary, AB. During their marriage, Joan worked at Shell, where she would continue until she retired. John predeceased Joan in 1983.

On September 6, 1986, Joan married Alfred Poulsen, and the two of them shared ten years together until Alf, as she liked to call him, would pass away in 1996. Alf had immigrated to Canada from Denmark and, although he spoke English, Joan decided to learn Danish during their marriage, and earned a certificate for her fluency in the language.

Joan loved gardening and spent as much time outside during the summer as she could, tending to her flowers and vegetables. Once the snow came in the fall, Joan spent countless hours researching the family history of herself and her two husbands. Her work is being passed on to her family in the UK so they can continue what she started.

Joan was most known for her love of animals, and she supported many of the charitable organizations that had the welfare of animals at heart.  At the time of Joan’s passing, she was caring for a foster cat by the name of Maddie, who was having difficulty finding a loving home.

As one of her friends said, “Joan's heart was filled with LOVE; her wisdom was inspiring, and she had kindness for all who walked by her amazing place. The yellow house on the corner and her yard brought natural, colorful beauty, calmness, joy and peace to all of us in Mount Pleasant. I will miss her forever; that I know for sure. Mount Pleasant will never be the same without our amazing, happy, loving Joan.”

Joan is survived by her sister-in-law Margaret, niece Carole (Pete), and nephew Roger Jr., all of England. She also leaves behind numerous relatives from both her first and second husbands, and especially her many friends in Calgary, with whom she loved to visit. Joan was also predeceased by her parents, Walter and Winifred Cleal; brothers, Richard (Sheila), Bill, and Rodger (Jean).

A Celebration of Joan’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel Of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home . Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Joan’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca, or the Fur-Bearers at https://thefurbearers.com/join-us/ways-to-give/memorials/,  or the Alberta S.P.C.A at https://www.albertaspca.org/support-us/tribute-giving/.

Joan’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful home care professionals at Vytality At Home and her friend Barb, for their care, compassion and tireless work to give Joan her last wish – to pass in her home.

In living memory of Joan Poulsen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.