It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Joan Martineau, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, at the age of 92, surrounded by her family.

Joan was the youngest daughter born to Jim and Irene O’Connell on the farm in Rio Grande, Alberta, on February 28, 1934, completing their family of six children. Mom loved farm life and spent most of her years farming. First, in Rio Grande alongside her family as a young girl, and then later in life near Kleskun Hills with her husband, Lawrence. From childhood, she always pitched in, doing chores, gardening, and cooking.

At an early age, Mom was the singer in the family and could be heard during the St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, at church on Sundays, or while sitting at the piano. That beautiful voice carried on for the rest of her life. She was often found singing in church choirs and at weddings as well as funerals for family and friends. At times, she even sang for people she didn’t know, as they had heard she had the voice of an angel.

Mom lived on the farm until she was 90 years old before she had to move away because of her health. For the last two years, she lived at Pearson Place in Hythe, and her last stop was at Prairie Lakes in Grande Prairie. She dearly missed the farm and was always telling us, “Let’s just go back; I don’t need to be here.”

Joan is survived by her daughter, Shelly (Steve) Ungstad; sons Ken Martineau and Tom (Colleen) Martineau; grandchildren Stefanie Ungstad (Dan Johnson), Jonathan (Melissa) Ungstad, Sarah Ungstad, Robbie Ungstad (Eric Stephenson), Jeremy (Jess) Martineau, Chelsey Martineau (Ricky Norman), and Dylan Martineau; great-grandchildren Jules Norrie, William Norrie, Eli Johnson, and Evan Johnson; sisters-in-law Paulette (Wayne) Patterson and Barbara Martineau; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Martineau; her parents, Jim and Irene O’Connell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mavis (Walter) Gerry and Eilleen (Frank) Gaunt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Clayton (Arlene) O’Connell, Glen (Audrey) O’Connell, and Johnny (Isabelle) O’Connell; parents-in-law Joseph and Victoire Martineau; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Raoul (Margorie) Martineau, Albert Martineau, and Ed Stewart.

Mom, we loved you deeply, and you will be forever in our hearts and memories. We know that you are already in that big choir of angels singing your heart out.

We want to say thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and health care aides who attended and cared for Mom over the last 26 months. These people have very difficult jobs and are the angels that walk among us.

The prayer service will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005-107 Ave, Grande Prairie).

Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (10115-98 Ave, Bezanson, AB). Interment to follow at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84 Ave and 112 St). Afterward, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon in Oliver’s Tea Room at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005-107 Ave, Grande Prairie).

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.