Joan Caroline Isted

A light has gone out . . . our light . . .

Joan Caroline Isted of Saskatoon left us to be with her Lord August 4, 2026. She was born in Neudorf SK June 7, 1937, to Louie and Eva Schmidt. She grew up in Melville SK and moved to Regina for work. It was there she met the love of her life Allan Isted, and they married on August 16, 1957.

Cinnamon buns on the counter, flowers in the yard, hummingbirds on the walls and her pen in hand with crosswords sitting on the couch. Joans greatest joy was taking care of her husband and children. She lived her life with a quiet confidence in her faith and the morals in the way she guided and raised her family. She loved visiting with friends and neighbors, and their house was open to many family gatherings with card games, sharing stories, making decisions or late-night laughter on the stairway. She was a peacemaker, living honestly and loved having a good time and making people laugh.

She liked to keep busy and enjoyed the times visiting across Canada in their motorhome -even inviting her in-laws to join the family in a trip to Toronto. She loved the trips with Allan to the States for some relaxation and shopping! And the photos!! She loved her camera- and the pictures and memories shared throughout the years- scrolling across the computer or TV.

Life was not always easy, she spent the past many years with dementia, but she did not let it get her down. She fought the good fight, she got back up when life tried to take her mobility, she danced with the music, read with us on Facetime, played cards and always made us laugh and feel we were important.

This year became harder and while the rest of the world said she was an 88-year-old woman with dementia and no need to walk- she fought hard- but we had to give in, and she found a new home at Samaritan Place in Saskatoon. Though this was not where she wanted to be, she embraced it living as she always has meeting each person where they were at. Treating us with the love only she knew how to give. We were blessed with many good times, a picture book view and wonderful people who lit up her beautiful smile. And after only twelve peaceful hours in palliative care, she finally gave in and is now at Home.

She leaves behind husband Allan, daughters Cheryl, Susan, Patti, and Bill Derksen and their children, James and Ashley. And son Dave and his wife Charmaine.

We would like to thank the caring people of Samaritan Place and St. Paul’s Palliative unit for all they have done for us. And to God for blessing us with her light.