Joan Marie Wright
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joan Marie Wright in Edmonton on July 18, 2026, a few weeks shy of her 82nd birthday. She left behind a legacy of vibrant energy, deep love, and a beautifully connected family.
A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Joan lived a life filled with energy, purpose, faith, and love. Her radiant personality, warm spirit, and genuine interest in others touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.
Joan will be lovingly remembered by her husband Peter; children Darlene, Nicole (Rob), Marnie (Rick); her seven grandchildren Nick, Tessa, Hailey, Aiden, Samantha, Justine and Gavin; and her brother Robert.
Joan lived life to the absolute fullest and remained incredibly active. She could often be found on the tennis court, playing a round of golf, or enjoying long walks with her friends. Her energy, health, and zest for life inspired everyone around her.
Well known and loved throughout the community, Joan formed friendships wherever she went. Her warmth, laughter, wisdom, and ability to make others feel important, created connections that will endure long after her passing.
In the 1980s, Joan was a true pioneer in the fitness industry. She energized her community by teaching aerobics and fitness during the height of the fitness boom. She also pushed her physical limits by running the Kananaskis 100-mile relay annually and completing the Vancouver marathon in 1989. Joan later channelled her energy into human services. As the Executive Director of The Support Network for 20 years, she led critical initiatives in suicide prevention and crisis intervention, including the 211 service in Northern Alberta.
After retiring in 2008, Joan directed crisis centre accreditation for the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) until 2021. Her volunteer engagements included teaching English with CCI-Lex and facilitating child sexual abuse awareness workshops for Little Warriors.
Joan’s greatest achievement, however, was her family. She shared 59 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Peter and shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and many cherished memories. She was a supportive and devoted mother to her three daughters, who love her beyond measure. Joan took immense pride in forming unique, individual relationships with each of her seven grandchildren, maintaining regular, meaningful connections that will forever shape their lives. She was present for their activities, milestones, and everyday lives, and they will carry her influence with them for years to come.
Joan was a dynamic force of nature who seamlessly blended physical vitality with deep compassion for the community. Her sudden passing has left a void in the countless lives she touched.
A beautiful eulogy. Every word is the truth, and lovingly written. She has a presence in my heart which I will keep forever.
Peter & family. As one of Joan’s many golf friends I was blessed to share a story and many laughs during our rounds at Lewis Sunrise league. I enjoyed the updates on her loving family and will definitely miss her.
Extraordinary woman.
Will always remember her deep commitment to the Support Network and beautiful smile for all. Deepest sympathy.
Joan will be missed in our group of ladies at Lewis Estates. Joan joined us in 2015 and quickly made many new golf friends. She was a delight to have in our group; always positive (well, a little bit of grumbling, just like the rest of us.) Joan was always there to help if needed, especially at our wind-up lunches or our Christmas gatherings. We will all cherish the fond memories of Joan. Condolences to the family, from her golf friends.
We were so very saddened to hear about Joan’s passing.There are some people who simply make the world feel lighter, and Joan was one of them. We will always remember her warmth, her sense of humour, and the way she embraced life so fully. We will especially be grateful for the many golf games, lunches and laughs we shared and more recently the tennis games she arranged for us with Peter at the RGC. Joan has left all of us too soon and we will miss her dearly.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to all of Joan’s family. We are thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Marianne Ryan and Lorie Drummond
Joan Marie was my lifelong friend. Although we lived many miles apart we managed to keep in touch at Christmas time and just recently my husband Joe and I were fortunate enough to visit Edmonton and meet for dinner with Joan Marie and Peter. It was a memorable evening and we chatted like we had seen each other yesterday. I have many childhood memories with her and so many fun times together during our teens. We played tennis together when our children were babies and missed her dearly when they moved to Vancouver and Edmonton. Her lifetime accomplishments were many and I am so very proud to have known such an amazing woman. I am sending love and prayers to Peter and all her beautiful family. Till we meet again Joan Marie. ❤️
Condelenses to the Wright family. I followed Joan as the Executive Director of The Support Network when she retired. I knew her for many years in the sector. She was a vibrant and strong personality that advocated for what was needed in the community. She will be sorely missed by friends, colleagues and mostly her family.
Dear Peter and Family
I was very saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. Joan was an outstanding Executive Director at TSN and I enjoyed my time working with her as a Board Member. I was fortunate to stay in touch and played several times on her golf team at The CMHA Mental Health Classic. Through all the time I knew her she was a vibrant and caring person. Heartfelt condolences to you.
Barb Burton
Joan-Marie and I graduated from Loretto Abbey, Toronto, in 1963 and both proceeded to Brescia College at the University of Western Ontario with two other close friends. During Grade 13, these four friends could be seen at lunch working diligently together on their school work, especially their many math problems. After first year at UWO, Joan-Marie and I worked and were room mates at Elgin House for the summer. Both our boyfriends and future husbands were friends from University and Oakville and would frequently travel north to visit us. It was an idyllic and carefree summer. Joan and Peter were married in 1965 and I was married in 1966 and she was in my wedding party. Over the next 50+ years our paths separated but I always had a special place in my heart for those four Loretto friends and especially Joan-Marie. I was thrilled to spend time again with Peter and Joan-Marie in 2018 at Mrs. Wright’s funeral in Oakville. Joan-Marie hadn’t changed and was full of energy, enthusiasm and laughter. I am so thankful that I had that one last chance to re-connect with a cherished friend.
Peter and family, thank you for your moving and insightful eulogy of Joan. Her warmth, optimism and intelligence made her a respected and valued friend and colleague. We’re all better for having known her. I know the pain of her passing will eventually give way to fond memories of a life well lived.
Judy and I are greatly saddened by Joan’s passing. We were privileged to know her from our University days in the 60’s. She was a force of nature, warm, inclusive, and forthright.
We are better for having her in our lives.
Judy and Ron Yamada
I was saddened when I was told of Joan’s passing. I only met her by association of her dear walking group. She was always positive and full of energy, her work with the Support Network, helped many,
to Peter and family the pain of her death is awful and you will miss her, May you remember the wonderful times and the memories
I had the privilege of working with Joan as a volunteer board member at CMHC. She provided me guidance and unwavering commitment to be a support agency for people in need of support. She was truly inspirational to me and to so many other people. Rest in Peace my friend🙏Janet-Sue
I had the greatest of honour to have known Joan. She was always a pleasure to have as a massage client and my day was brighter when she was on my client list. I looked forward to her many stories and her unlimitless amount of wisdom. Her laugh was infectious and her amazing kindness and positivity was inspiring. She was more than a client she was a friend. My deepest condolences go out to her family and her friends i know she will be sadly missed and never forgotten.
Joan was a golf friend but could have easily been a friend in any circle. We enjoyed lots of laughs and complaints when out on the course. She was kind and caring and it was obvious she cherished her family . She will be so missed . Sorry to her family and friends. Yvonne.
Peter and Family, what a beautiful Obituary to Joan, a beautiful woman both inside and out. We will miss her very much she was the heart and soul of the “Ladies” group and she was always arranging events for us, lunches, dinners, Christmas get together, and our trips to Jasper. She was a true friend that you could depend on. I am truly sorry that she has gone from our lives, I will never forget her and she will always have a place in my heart. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your great loss.
It is with shock and disbelief when those who are most vibrant leave their earthly body. I grew up seeing Nicole’s mom as engaged, caring, energetic and kind. She will be missed by her family, her friends, her community, those in need and those like me who saw her as another parent, an additional mother. Her light shone very bright continuing to shine through her daughters.
May your grief ease soon.
I too had the great privilege of working with Joan while serving on The Support Network Board. I learned from Joan how to give to the community with enthusiasm and commitment!
Peter, Deb and I pass on our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Brent, can you share your email? There is gathering of former TSN Board on Sept 9
Joan and the Wright family were very close friends to my family. Playing bridge and summers at Pigeon lake where Peter taught us all how to windsurf and Joan would correct him on his technique. Joan was a true spirit for living life to its fullest and having fun. She was a strong, intelligent, beautiful, athletic woman, wife, mother and pillar for human kind. She went way too soon and is greatly missed. Joan was a true gem and will never be forgotten.
The a Wyley’s with love
Joan was truly a spitfire of a lady—full of love, spirit, and so much heart. She loved her Peter and her children fiercely, and golf of course. I will always remember those extra-big hugs. They were the kind of hugs you could feel in your soul. She will be deeply and fondly missed and forever remembered by the Wyley’s. ❤️
Dear Peter and family,
I remain shocked that Joan is no longer walking this earth. How did the earth not crack apart when Joan’s spirit left her body? She was a mentor and a friend. She saved lives through her commitment to suicide prevention.
Maureen (Collins) and I send all of you our deepest sympathy.
I met Joan during her time with the Personal Development Centre. She was an amazing person and truly made those around her and the entire community a better place.
I will always remember her drive to create a better place and her compassion to those she met.
So sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I echo the sentiments above, she was so vibrant and full of life. She will be greatly missed.