Joan was born on September 3, 1956, in Regina, Saskatchewan. She studied at the University of Regina, where she met Stewart Flegel. They married on August 12, 1978, and began their life together in Saskatoon, where Joan worked at the credit union while Stewart completed medical school.
In 1992, the family moved to Rugby, North Dakota, where Stewart practiced as a family physician. In 1995, they moved to Sterling, Colorado, where Joan co-founded The Apple Grove, a custom framing shop and artisan consignment store. It suited her perfectly: warm, welcoming, unhurried, and full of beautiful handmade things.
After Stewart died suddenly in 1999, Joan moved her family to Calgary, where she lived for the rest of her life. There, she rebuilt. She returned to school at SAIT and earned a certificate in production accounting. Later, she co-published and edited City Probe Magazine, work that matched her natural interest in people, stories, and language.
Joan loved conversation, a good story, a sharp observation, and the kind of humor that made everyday life lighter. She loved movies, old memories, family history, and keeping up with the people she cared about. She also loved cats, beautiful objects, and the small domestic details that make a life feel personal and cared for.
Joan paid attention. That was one of her great gifts.
She was also someone who prepared. At Mark’s wedding, she delivered part of her toast in the first language of her new in-laws — not because anyone expected it, but because she had taken the time to learn it. That was Joan: thoughtful, attentive, and quietly determined to meet people where they were.
She was a devoted mother to Lindsay, Mark, and Caitlin, and a proud grandmother to Zara and Leon. Her love for her family was constant and unmistakable — there in the big moments, but even more in the ordinary ones: invitations to dinner, movie nights, practical help, words of encouragement, and daily messages full of care.
Joan passed away on January 20, 2026, at Southwood Hospice in Calgary, surrounded by her family. In keeping with her wishes, her body was donated to the University of Calgary Body Donation Program.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Lindsay (Jeff) Johnston, Mark (Mona) Flegel, and Caitlin Flegel; her grandchildren Zara and Leon; her brother Brad (Bev) Wagar; her sister Brenda Mark; her dear friend Andy Shewchuk; and the many extended family members and friends whose lives were made better by knowing her.
