BEATRICE ""JOAN"" LAYTON of Lethbridge passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the age of 72 years.

Joan was born on the farm in Ceylon, SK on March 12, 1934 to Ernest and Mabel Layton. She attended school 1 through 10 in a one room country school and grades 11 and 12 at Ceylon High School then attended Regina Business College. She was a secretary at Imperial Oil in Regina for 8 years. During this time she studied voice, piano and violin. In 1963 she attended the University of Calgary where she obtained her Bachelor of Education Degree. She taught one year in Calgary, then moved to Lethbridge where she taught 16 years at Allan Watson School before moving to Gilbert Paterson School to teach Grade 1 for 11 years until her retirement in 1994. Music was a big part of her life and she was always willing to share her talents. She enjoyed curling and golfing, becoming very good at both sports. She spent countless hours gardening and landscaping and was always very proud of her green lawn.

Parents, past students and colleagues will remember Joan for her love of her students and her helpful kind ways.

Joan is survived by her sisters Joyce Nakrayko and Betty Cameron and brothers Ken Layton, Bert (Pat) Layton, Reg Layton, Allan (Edna) Layton, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. She is predeceased by her parents Ernest and Mabel Layton and brothers Robert Layton and Ed Layton.

A Celebration of Joan's life will be held at 1:00PM on Monday, March 12, 2007 at MARTIN BROS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St. South, Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend Elizabeth Brown officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society Lethbridge Chapter, 162, 200 - 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C9 or to a charity of your choice.