Obituary of Joan Paula Gilbert Domer

Born December 3, 1937 Appleton, Wisconsin. Died January 1, 2018 Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jerry Domer, and her son Edward Domer of Jackson, Wyoming. Predeceased by her sisters Margaret and Judy. Joan was a diamond of many facets, a perpetual learner and scholar and a voracious reader. She was strongly influenced by her parents, both of whom were scientists and professors, who instilled in her a love of knowledge. She received her first degree, a BM in Cello Performance from Oberlin College, did post-graduate work in Musicology at Boston University, and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She continued her pursuit of knowledge by achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Montana. Her final academic achievement was a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of British Columbia. Her study at Oberlin included a year at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Her equally eclectic career included teaching private cello lessons, the Multnomah Public Library in Portland, Oregon, designing and teaching the Music History curriculum for the Vancouver Community College Music Department, and concluding as a reference Librarian at the McGill branch of the Burnaby Public Library, retiring in 2001 and moving to Pitt Meadows. Joan was an active amateur musician in her adult life, playing chamber music, participating in a wide variety of orchestras, including the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra for 16 years, Theater Under the Stars, and assorted ensembles over many years. After retiring, Joan immediately immersed herself in environmental activities, joining the Alouette Field Naturalists, spent volunteer time on the Dorado Strata Council, and for a time delivered the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows News to her neighbours. She immediately became interested in local politics and was a frequent attendee at Pitt Meadows council meetings. Although modest about her own achievements in life, she loved a good laugh and a good argument. She was a loyal friend to so many. She enjoyed gardening, birding, hiking, cross-country skiing, rock hounding, travel and seeing new places, and most of all, reading and learning. Joan was a devoted and loving wife and mother. We will miss her greatly. Joan passed into sleep peacefully, with grace and dignity, as she lived her life. Our heartfelt thanks to her many caregivers in her final year, as she was suffering from Alzheimer’s and Lymphoma. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Maple Ridge Seniors Village for their gentle and loving care during her final two months. No Service by request, a memorial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society in her name would be greatly appreciated.