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With love and sadness, we announce the passing of Johanna (Joan) Cope, ODNW, at the age of 89, just two weeks shy of her 90th birthday. She was born in Winnipeg, MB, on November 1, 1936 and departed to her higher service peacefully, while surrounded by her loving family on October 18, 2026 in Abbotsford, BC. Joan shared a life deeply connected to her family, her Anglican faith, and her beloved community in Hope, B.C.

She was predeceased by her husband, Marvin Cope, and her parents, Hans and Mary Nabl. Joan met Marvin while she worked the counter at Dunkers Donuts in Vancouver in 1954, they married in 1957 and moved to Hope in 1961. They raised their three sons there and shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Marvin’s death in 2017.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her sons, David, Paul (Gillian), and Andrew (Michele), and her daughter-in-law, Susan. Her grandchildren are Lindsey (Rob), Harrison (Jenny), Dylan, Hannah (David), Lauren (Aiden), Spencer, and Lyndon. Her great-grandchildren are Emily, Simon, Ella, Ava, and Jackson. Joan’s family meant absolutely everything to her, and she always went far and beyond to make sure we knew, just how loved we truly were.

For Joan, Christ Church was a church home where she took an active part in parish life. Her commitment was expressed through practical involvement and a willingness to accept responsibility. She was active in Anglican Church Women and contributed to the work that helped the parish continue its ministry. Her church service also reached beyond Hope, as she had spent approximately 20 years representing her parish as a delegate to Synod, the Church’s governing assembly. She had served on Diocesan Council since 2014. These responsibilities reflected a sustained commitment and her record of service showed that she was prepared to take part in the work that a faith community depends upon, including during times of change. She was formally recognized by the Anglican Church in 2016 when she received the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster for the contribution, she had made to her parish and the broader Anglican community.

Joan was also a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, another enduring connection in her life. Alongside her church involvement, this membership consistently formed part of the story of her commitment to fellowship and service, of which she was introduced to and shared with her parents.

For us, remembering our Mom means holding these years of service alongside our personal memories. We know her friends and neighbours will bring their own stories, whether from years of friendship, church life, or working together in the community. We welcome those memories. Together, they help us honour Mom’s life and preserve her story for the generations that follow.

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Anglican in Hope, B.C. with the family’s beloved Pastor, the Rev. Tim Morgan officiating. Refreshments will follow in the church hall. Family, friends, and members of her church and community are invited to gather in remembrance and share their memories of Joan. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Mom’s faith, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Christ Church Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 1421, Hope, BC, V0X 1L0 or reach out to the parish office at (604) 869 – 5402.