Joan Adeline Faith SWORD

Joan Adeline Faith Sword (nee Guse) went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Monday, August 19, 2024. She was surrounded by family and the presence of the Lord.

Joan is survived by her caring, loving husband, Bertil Sword, of almost 59 years, her children Darryl (Joyce), Gregory (Cindy) and Jennifer (Carl), her grandchildren Cody (Shelby), Olivia (Justin), Justice (Alannah), Erik, Anika, Everett, Kayla (Aidan), Austin (Hayley) and Levi, and her great grandchildren Elizabeth, Axel, Ruth and Mae. She is also survived by many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.

Joan was born in a small township in Northern Ontario on August 16, 1943 to William and Olive Guse. She grew up on a farm with her eight siblings. After graduating high school, she became a registered nurse under the care of the nuns. At the age of 22 she met the love of her life, an RCMP officer, Bertil. After a short courtship, they wed on December 11, 1965.

With her husband on the police force, she learned quickly that home was where your family is; moving from Ontario to the Northwest Territories to Saskatchewan, back to Ontario, to Manitoba, and finally settling in Elkford, British Columbia in 1978. It was in Elkford where they finally settled down and raised their family. While in Elkford, Bertil worked at the mine, and Joan became a stay-at-home mom. You could smell fresh baking coming from her home … buns, pies, bread, cinnamon buns, you name it. It was rare, especially on a Sunday, that there wasn’t a table filled with a roast, Yorkshire pudding and all the fixings for anyone who wanted to come over after church. Christmas dinner was something to be shown in a magazine.

Not only was she a fantastic wife, mom and cook, Joan was also very involved in her church. Jesus was the center of her life. Everything she did was for His glory. She did the books at church, lead worship, taught Sunday School, and ministered to those around her. She was also a substitute teacher at the elementary school, worked for H&R Block during tax time and worked during elections.

Her life was filled with music. The living room was converted into a music studio with a complete drum set, piano and guitars (acoustic and electric). Many a night was spent playing instruments and singing. Singing hymns was probably her favourite.

The Sword family would like to extend a thank you to the Elk Valley Regional Hospital staff for their care during her last moments.

She will forever be remembered, loved, and incredibly missed.

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