Joan Raby

Joan Raby passed away peacefully November 28, 2010 at Garrison Green Long-Term Care in Calgary. Joan was born August 21,1924 in Banff to Harold and Cecily Fuller and spent her childhood in Massive, Lake Louise, Bankhead and Banff.

Skating at Mather's rink started her life-long passion for figure skating. In 1946 she married Jim Raby, built their log house in Banff and had their two daughters before moving to Ottawa in 1959. They lived in Newfoundland and Point Pelee before returning to Calgary in 1970.

Joan spent many enjoyable afternoons playing bridge with the "girls". She was an avid sports fan, following the Blue Jays, Stampeders, Flames and Ottawa Senators. Joan was passionate in her love for animals, especially cats and spent winters feeding the birds and rabbits in her neighborhood.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1991 and her brother Pat in 2007. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Carol (Garth) Phillips of Fort McMurray and Jane (Larry) Gilmar of Banff. As well, she was the cherished grandma to Jennifer (Brian) Staudinger, Christopher (Erin) Phillips, Rebecca Gilmar, Suzanna Gilmar (Ben Neufeld) and the great grandmother to Bridget & Hudson Staudinger, Ben, Zoe & Niomi Phillips and Olivia Neufeld. She will be especially missed by her life-long friend Jean Atkey and her sister-in-law and friend, Catherine Fuller.

A memorial service will be held May 14, 2011 in Banff.

In her memory, donations may be given to the Calgary Zoo or the SPCA.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.