JOAN VESTA MILTON (nee Carefoot), of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the age of 79 years.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Miriam and Claude Carefoot, brothers Keith and Jim and sister-in-law, Linda. Joan was the loving mother of Davin (Amber) of Calgary and is also survived by her sister-in-law, Terry Carefoot of Moose Jaw, several nieces and nephews and many cherished cousins.

Joan was raised on the family farm East of Moose Jaw. She was a graduate of Central Collegiate, obtained the Associate Royal Conservatory of Toronto degree in piano pedagogy and subsequently the Bachelor of Arts degree, University of Saskatchewan. Shortly thereafter she became active as a piano teacher.

In 1967 she moved to Lethbridge where music continued to play a major role in her life, frequently attending concerts, theater, workshops and conferences. Sharing her love of music as a longstanding teacher of theory and piano, she became well known, loved, and respected in the music community. Joan was active in the Lethbridge Music Teachers' Association and served as President of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association, helping to organize many events throughout the Province.

Throughout her life, friends and family, especially her son Davin, were of prime importance to her. Being very close to her Carefoot and Rollefson cousins; she created many wonderful memories, visiting and taking trips with them. As an ardent traveller, she visited all of the continents except Antarctica, and even spent one memorable summer living in a tent on a beach in Greece with a very young Davin. Joan was fond of hiking, spending much time in the Canmore/Banff area and recently enjoyed going on cruises.

Joan lived her life to the fullest, with an appreciation for each new day. To those who knew and loved her she gave that rarest of all gifts, the gift of unconditional love.

The love and support received from family and friends during her final months is a testimony to the meaningful relationships formed throughout her life. She was humbled by, and greatly appreciated, everyone's care and attention. Joan and Davin are especially grateful for the kindness and generosity of Nick and Marilynn Snyder without whom, her life would have ended earlier and under far less graceful circumstances.

As per Joan's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Joan and her family request your consideration of a donation to The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Box 1020, Banff, AB., T1L 1H5