Joan Elizabeth Bley (née van der Lee), aged 67, passed away peacefully at home on her acreage.
Born and raised in Lethbridge, Joan spread her wings at eighteen, moving to the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. She built a life and raised her three children on the coast before returning to Lethbridge in 1996 to be back near her mother and siblings. After returning home, she reconnected with her first love, Mike Bley, and they were married on October 10, 1998.
Joan was loving, bubbly, and full of infectious warmth. She loved dirtbikes—both as a rider and a passenger—and always looked forward to camping trips. She felt a deep connection to nature, loving the plants that grew wild on the land, walking the river trails on her property, and spending evenings by the fire pit. Joan had a huge heart for animals, always taking in strays and giving a loving home to her horses, dogs, cats, and geese. A creative spirit who enjoyed reading, writing, and art, she often turned pieces of wood into beautiful carvings—many of which are now treasured in the homes of her loved ones—and always ensured a steady supply of homemade chocolate chip cookies when the kids were growing up.
Life was rarely simple, and Joan faced her share of hardships. She was a true fighter who met every challenge with grit and resilience, trying her best to keep an optimistic spirit through it all. She lived life on her own, unfiltered, genuine, and real.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Bley; her children, James (Anthea), Russell (Kristine), and Harmanie (Nathan); her step-sons, Brody (Amber) and Kyle (Nikki); and her grandchildren: Rain, Trystan, Izzy, Jamie, and Mikayla. Joan is also survived by her siblings: Richard (Maria), Edith, Chris (Hanna), and Valerie (Rae), along with extended family and friends.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, Harmen and Christine (née O'Loane) van der Lee; her brothers, Harmen and Peter; and her brother-in-law, Fred.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.