February 15, 2015
In Memoriam — Joan Intven
Joan Intven
Joan Intven was the devoted wife of William (Bill) Intven (1920-2002). She was a loving mother to Hank Intven (Lyndsay Green, children: Lauren and Andrea (Zach Zubrick), Mike Intven (Margaret Intven, children: Katherine (Dave Tyndall), Natalie and Luke), Mary Intven-Wallace (children: Will Wallace (Shannon Butcher), Jessica Wallace (Jamie Ware), Dr. Rebecca Wallace (Fede Carbajal), Nick Wallace, Liz Kristiansen (John Christiansen, children: Mellissa (Adam Young) and Julia), Tom Intven (Laurie Intven, children: Kate (Mike Holt), Meggan (Nathan McIntyre), Erin (Jordan McCloskey), and Tess, Margaret Intven-Mercredi (son: John Mercredi), and Pauline Intven-Casier (Ron Casier, children: Remi, Victoria, Karel, Hanna (deceased) and Mina (deceased). She was the proud great-grandmother of Merryn, Alexis, Charlotte, Beatrice, Jasmine, Mateo, Adelaide, Mirabel, Jove and Miles.
Born in Veldhoven, The Netherlands, on Sept. 24, 1920, Joan Somers married Bill Intven in 1947. The couple emigrated to Canada in 1950. She worked closely with Bill to realize his dream of starting a plant nursery, founding Canadale Nurseries in 1955.
She worked tirelessly to ensure Canadale would become a successful and important part of the St. Thomas business community. She instilled a strong work ethic in her family and those who worked with her. Joan Intven was the matriarch of her family, whom she loved and supported unconditionally. She was kind, generous and cheerful every day of her life. Joan Intven gave generously to many organizations in the St. Thomas and Elgin community and was a dedicated member of St. Anne’s parish and the Catholic Women’s League.
Memorial services were held at Williams Funeral Home in St. Thomas on Jan. 12. A funeral mass was celebrated at St. Anne’s Church in St Thomas on Jan. 13.
Joan Intven will be sorely missed but never forgotten by her large family and the St. Thomas community.