Obituary of Joan Parisien

PARISIEN, Joan (nee Durkin)
November 30, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

We are heartbroken to announce that Joan passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at home. 

Joan was born in the district of Tubbercurry, in the County of Sligo, Ireland. She spent her formative years on the family farm, working and playing with her parents, siblings, dogs, and assorted farm animals. Having a great sense of adventure, she set out to work in England as a nurse and was eventually offered a post in Canada. Joan subsequently completed her nursing career; and switching gears, earned a diploma in Beauty Culture & Hair Dressing from the Marvel School of Beauty in Calgary. Later marrying and raising children, Joan embarked on a career in the food service industry, becoming one of the most endeared waitresses on the Calgary restaurant scene, largely attributed to her wit and compassion. Joan was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be most fondly remembered for her ability to live in the moment, placing value on all living beings. She nourished her children with ethics and love, beaming with a wholesome philosophy that reflected in everything she did. The world will be a darker place without her light. 

Joan is survived by her daughters, Pam Lecky (Paul) and Sheila Parisien (Michael); her son Darren Parisien (Wendy); and her brother, Patrick Durkin.  Joan is blessed with many nieces and nephews, including the Australians Anthony Durkin, Jamie Durkin, Francis Lewis (nee Durkin), Catherine Stringer (nee Durkin), and Christopher Durkin; great-niece and nephew, Brigitte, and Mathew Lewis; Canadian niece and nephew, Laurel Franklyn (nee Wahler), and Kenneth Wahler; and numerous international cousins and friends. 

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Luke, and Mary (nee Brennan) Durkin; her sister Betty Wahler (nee Durkin); and siblings Moira, James, Celia, and Luke (all Durkin).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church (321 – 90th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Joan Parisien, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.