Joan Florence (Armstrong) Galley

Joan Galley passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on June 7, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in South Porcupine, Ontario, Joan was the beloved daughter of Yvonne and Fred Armstrong (both predeceased), and the devoted wife of Martin Galley, with whom she shared a loving marriage from 1969 until his passing in 2004.

She is deeply missed by her sons Dave and Julian (Susan), and by her cherished grandchildren, twins Olivia and Tyler, who carry her legacy with pride—Tyler even wears a Queen’s University legacy patch in her honour. Joan is also lovingly remembered by her siblings Mark Armstrong, Glen Armstrong, and Janet Drewes (Per), niece Katie Drewes, nephew Eric Drewes (Arianne), and their children Jimi and Nico, along with extended family and friends across the country and beyond.

Joan’s formative years in Deep River, Ontario, were filled with family, community, and sport. It was there she met Martin, beginning their life of adventure and movement together living in Paisley, Montreal, Sydney (NS), Ottawa, Oakville, Oxford (UK), and finally West Kelowna, BC. Wherever she went, Joan brought warmth, friendship, and purpose.

A graduate of Queen’s University and a proud member of its women’s tennis team, Joan’s love for tennis became a lifelong passion. She formed lasting bonds through the game—playing, coaching, managing clubs, and sharing the court with her sister Janet as an impressive doubles team well into adulthood.

In Oakville, Joan found another calling as an ESL instructor, where her kindness and encouragement left a lasting impact on her students. She also became a devoted dog trainer and retriever enthusiast, raising Sandy, Jasper, and Geordie with care and affection. In retirement, she brought joy to others by participating in "doggy dancing" performances at retirement homes in West Kelowna.

Above all, Joan was a loving mother and grandmother, ever supportive and proud of her sons and grandchildren. She created magical summer memories in her Kelowna Garden and at the beach, and in recent years, cherished walks through Fish Creek Park with family while living in memory care in Calgary. Her caregivers affectionately called her "Mother Joan," touched by her warmth, humour, and gracious spirit.

Her smile, her laugh, and her gentle strength will be remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in Joan’s memory.

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