Joan was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Her parents, Thomas Dryden and Edna Dryden (nee Essig), had Joan later in life, and died when she was still a young woman.
Joan’s main desire in life was to travel and see the world. She joined the Canadian Air Force after graduating from high school. The Air Force offered her an opportunity to travel overseas if she joined up for a second term. It turned out that overseas was not Europe, as she had hoped, but instead Comox, B.C.
At the Air Force base in Comox, she met and married John Hooley in 1957. They moved briefly to John’s native England and then back to Vancouver, B.C., where their daughter, Lynn was born in 1959.
While working full-time, and raising Lynn as a single mom, Joan was able to complete a diploma in Tourism from BCIT. After getting her diploma she worked for municipal governments, travel agencies, until she landed her dream job with Pacific Airlines (later Canadian Airlines, and finally Air Canada). She worked in the airline industry for 20 years and travelled to numerous amazing places in our wonderful world.
In 1984 she married the boy next door, Norman Hawker, and they continued to travel, especially loving to cruise to various ports around the world. In the 1990s, Norm and Joan moved from Vancouver to White Rock where they stayed for the rest of their lives.
True to her determined spirit, she tried to fight the indignity of mandatory retirement at age 65, but was unfortunately unsuccessful. However, she continued to work in tourism, by volunteering at the Vancouver Airport and by working in the cruise ship industry. She was still working up until age 85!
Joan enjoyed volunteering with community groups and organizations. You could always find her in great conversations with all of those she met.
Joan moved to Oceana in 2019. She loved living there and was healthy and independent until she had a stroke in early April. Joan passed away at the Peace Arch Hospital on April 13, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Joan was pre-deceased by her step-daughter-in-law, Margriet Huisman-Hawker, step-children Beth Pearmain (nee Hawker): Matthew Hawker; and Nick Hawker. Joan’s husband, Norm, passed away in 2018.
Leaving to mourn Joan’s passing are numerous friends and family. Surviving Joan are her daughter, Lynn Hooley Brown (husband Chris Brown) and her step-son-in-law, Jim Pearmain (partner Hazel). She is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren: Marissa Hawker – van den Bogaard (husband Dennis van den Bogaard) and their children Bram and Mats; Thomas Hawker; Robert Hawker; Alexandra Pearmain (partner Brian); Kaitlynn Pearmain; Cameron Brown (wife Kilju Jeon) and their children Angela, Nathan, and step-granddaughter Ahyeon; Graham Brown (fiancée Meghan Lambie).
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held in White Rock in September.
August 21st, 2025
Dear Lynn and family
I am greatly saddened to hear that Joan has passed away. She was a Red Hatter in our group
and we always enjoyed her company when she was able to join us. Joan's out-going happy
nature made her a favourite "sister" in our Red Snapper chapter. My deepest sympathy to
you and your family at this time of great loss. We will miss her big smiles!!
Sai
August 21st, 2025
So sorry to hear the news of Joan's passing. My husband and I were planning on going out to White Rock to see her soon as when I last talked to her in March (I believe), she wanted my hubby (she always called him that) and me to come out for lunch. She will be remembered in having belonged to the Red Snappers chapter (part of the Red Hat Society group) for many years. The photo is from Joan's last luncheon with us in December 2022 at The Sylvia Hotel. Joan's Royal Title in our chapter was Princess Cate. We send our condolences to her family.
June 12th, 2025
Joan's family,
A good long life --- Full of adventure, travel and laughter ----
I worked with Joan at Canadian Airlines at YVR and later while she used to be a green jacket and then for the cruise companies. When she moved to White Rock, I suggested she join the White Rock & District Garden Club with our other retired airline friend, Ada. She spent a number of years coming to the meetings and tours. When she moved into Oceana, my husband Alec and I visited her and I kept her in tomato plants for her balcony for a few years. Both Joan and Norman came over to our house for tea a few times. I always enjoyed her visits and chats over the phone. I shall miss my friend. Oh yes, she used to say she couldn't sell her apartment as when her daughter came to visit she would have a place to stay. That was Joan.
Thanks for the memories, Joan. Your friend, Yvonne
June 5th, 2025
Lynn, Chris and family:
Chuck and I are sad to hear of Joan's passing. We spent many fun and happy times
with Joan and Norm in White Rock. They were always inclusive and we got to meet the family. Audrey and Joan
had a mutual bond which was both being in the RCAF. Good times and lovely memories. Joan was about the most
enthusiastic traveller.
We send our condolences to the family.
Audrey and Chuck
May 30th, 2025
Lynn, Chris and family,
I am saddened to hear of your mom's passing. We shared many experiences, both military and airline. I remember her fondly and miss her.
Thinking of you and wishing you well,
Iola
May 26th, 2025
Dear Lynn and family,
Your mom was my greatest gift on Saturday when we did sit together at Oceana Parc and she told stories and from her trips. And so much more. Always with a smile and a friendly word. Miss her very much, Inge
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