Joan Evelyn Beurling

Joan Evelyn Beurling (née Stubbs) entered into the presence of her Messiah and Saviour on June 4, 2024 in Barrie, ON after a short illness. Joan was born in Ottawa on August 7, 1930 and was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Laura Stubbs, and her older brother, Eldon (Jean) and her younger brother, Danny (June). She is survived by her husband of almost 73 years, Richard Gibbs Beurling, and their children: Janice, Paul (Jayne Beaton), John (Deborah Hardy), Steven (Pamela Thorlakson) and Krista. She will be missed greatly by her grandchildren, Gregory (Megan Maloney), Alyssa, Megan (Scott Bush), Nicholas and Hilary; and great-grandchildren (Abigail and Miller Bush and Henry Beurling).

Joan worked many years for Bell Canada, both before and after raising her children. But her preferred role in life was to be a wife and mother. She was quiet and reserved, with a surprising sense of humour when with family and friends.

Joan attended the Fisher Avenue Mission Sunday School in Ottawa from the age of three and met Rick Beurling in 1948 at a Bible conference in Smiths Falls, ON. They were soon engaged and married on September 15, 1951.

Joan and Rick first made their home in Ottawa, for a few years in North Bay and then moved to Toronto in 1966 where the family soon began attending Parkway Bible Church in Scarborough. Joan and Rick moved to Barrie in 2016 where Joan enjoyed her last years, often relaxing on the deck overlooking the garden and ravine.

Joan was an avid knitter and her grandchildren wore her many hand-knitted sweaters. As her sight failed in recent years, she greatly regretted not being able to continue working with her complex patterns. Joan was also a skilled cook – famous for her meat balls, macaroni and cheese, creamed salmon on toast and spaghetti sauce.

The Beurlings spent many happy years with their children camping across Ontario and New England. Later, they camped seasonally at Glen Rocks Bible Conference in Muskoka and then at ToJo’s Christian Family Campground in Simcoe County enjoying great fellowship and making lifelong friends.

Joan and Rick also enjoyed travelling, especially to Israel. They shared a deep love for the Holy Land and God’s chosen people.

Joan’s faith was formed in her childhood, and continued to grow throughout adulthood. She trusted in God for her salvation, her family and her eternal life.

Jesus said, “ For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son [i.e., Jesus the Messiah] and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).

Gifts in memory of Joan can be made to Chosen People Ministries (Canada), www.chosenpeople.ca.