Obituary of Joan Sidonia Acton

The family of Joan Sidonia Acton (nee Richards) sadly announce her passing on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the age of 85 in her Saskatoon home. She was loved and cherished by her family, friends, and all who knew her and will be sadly missed. Joan was pre-deceased by her parents Eric and Sidonia (Ternier) Richards, infant son Barry, and former husband Dale Acton. She is survived by her children Bruce Acton (Melanie Elliott), Bryan Acton (Ursula), Rebecca Acton, and Brad Acton (Michele); grandchildren Christopher Acton (Brittany), Sean Acton (Amy Poirier), Jennifer Addley (David), Christina Sumeraj (Gage), Peter Acton, and Alexander Acton; great-grandchildren Lux, Vaughn, Isaac, Gwen, and Maggie May; and numerous cherished cousins.

Joan was born on November 21, 1937, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Her mother was a strong and resourceful woman who raised her daughter alone after the untimely death of her husband when Joan was a toddler. Joan spent many happy years growing up in North Battleford, and with aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins on the family farms around Jackfish and Murray Lakes. Following high school graduation, she moved to Saskatoon and completed nurse’s training at Saskatoon City Hospital. She was married to Dale Acton for nearly twenty years and together they raised four children while living in Prince Albert, Yorkton, and finally Saskatoon.

Joan had a long and distinguished nursing career at Saskatoon City Hospital and as Safety Officer and Nurse at Cameco’s Key Lake Mine. She also successfully operated her own personal care home for many years.

Joan was an avid and active traveller throughout her life. She visited many regions of Canada, the United States, and Mexico as well as numerous countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. She was stylish and frugal woman who took great pride in showing off her latest find from Value Village. Her many interests included studying family genealogy, gardening, watercolor painting, and solving significant jigsaw and Sudoku puzzles. She enjoyed discovering and supporting many local artists through the purchase of their works.

She was a dedicated volunteer for numerous community organizations including Girl Guides of Canada and UNICEF. She maintained a lifelong relationship with her fellow Saskatoon City Hospital Nursing School graduates.

In her later years, chronic medical conditions made living life gracefully, difficult for Joan. She made the decision to have MAID, and died with dignity on a day and in a place of her own choosing with her children around her. Joan’s family would like to extend their appreciation to her friends and staff at Luther Tower, Joan’s home in the final years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to UNICEF at unicef.ca.  

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Joan’s life and fellowship on Sunday, April 16 at 3pm in the top floor dining room at Luther Tower, 1223 Temperance Street, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.   

Arrangements are entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home and Karla Combres, Life-Cycle Celebrant.  Condolences may be left for the family at saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Internment will follow with a family ceremony this summer in North Battleford.