Joan Pavey

On March 5, 2011 we said goodbye to a wonderful mother, friend, mentor and a gracious lady. Joan Pavey was born on July 17, 1919. Mother to four sons, grandmother to five grandsons and one granddaughter, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Joan's passion was her beloved dogs, being an accomplished breeder of Collies and Shelties. Through this endeavour she made friends across the continent and was an excellent mentor to many new to the dog fancy.

This site was set up by her daughter-in-law Jo Ann, so that everyone who knew Joan could share in the celebration of a life well lived.

If you so desire, please leave any memories, thoughts or expressions of condolence by clicking on "Comments" just below in light blue and leaving your comments and memories for all to share. Anyone can comment, you don't need a google account, just click on "name/url" and fill in your name, or anoymous and add your name to the end of your note.

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Through The Years

Joan at Terry & Jo Ann's wedding, April 20, 1991.

The happiest day in Joan's life, her wedding to Walter Pavey on June 14, 1941.

Walter and Joan on their honeymoon.

Joan on her honeymoon.

Joan with Collie puppies "Flicka" (see below) and "Flash" in 1957.

Joan with Collie "Flicka" - Ch. Whitegates Determined Lady, circa late 1950's.

Joan in the Laurentians, North of Montreal, shortly after her marriage, holding up her new pet Cocker. I had never seen this picture before, and I think she looks particularly beautiful in it.

Joan with Ch. Ridgeside Star Wars, ROMC, a real favourite of hers, at the DC&SSA Specialty, judge is Dorothy Cobb Burns.

Joan with husband Walter in Montreal in 1941, just before he shipped out overseas for the duration of World War II. (7th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment - 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars).

Joan with Chris on Christmas Day, 1942. Back of the picture says "Till we meet, Daddy". Chris was born while Walter was serving in World War II.


Joan rode a lot in her early years, and spoke of it fondly.


Joan with her four sons, 1958. Clockwise from back left: Gordon, John, Chris, (Joan) and Terry.


Joan on the occasion of her 90th Birthday party, with three of her four sons. Left to right, John, Terry and Gordon.

Joan's beloved husband Walter on the left, who predeceased her in 1970. With his arm around Jock, the Collie I always remember hearing about from all of the family. Next is niece Ann O'Connell, the eldest child of Joan's older sister Jane. She has what looks like two kittens in her lap, or maybe puppies or one of each! Seated next is Joan, with her hand on a sable Collie. Around 1958.

Joan with Ch. Glenhart's Betsy Ross winning Best Puppy in Specialty under judge Mary Van Wagenen of Sea Isle Shelties. I believe this was at a CC&SSA Specialty in Montreal. It's suprising how many pictures I managed to find of Joan showing a dog, as she really didn't care to go into the ring much and usually left that part to others. Maybe in the early years she did more of it herself.


At the Virginia Beach ASSA National in 1988. Left to right, Jo Ann Pavey, Jo Ann's sister Sandra, Terry Pavey, Joan Pavey and good friend Karen Wnek of Virgo Shelties.

Joan with her Wire-haired Fox Terrier, a wedding gift from Walter.

Joan and Walter Pavey, in Barbados. Late 1950's.


Joan on the far right with one of her very favourite dogs, "Polly" (BISS Ch. Mainstay This Moment In Time), winning a Specialty from the Veterans class. I had talked her into entering Polly at this show, Joan thought it was a silly idea- Polly was her couch potato! - but did it anyways to humour me. I have never seen her so thrilled over any other win - she just burst into tears watching her Polly-woggers pick up the big win. The Best of Breed Rough Collie, Smooth Collie and Sheltie later competed for Best in 3 Breed Specialty which Polly won as well. It was a wonderful day.


Joan at our house celebrating Christmas 2007. Always Joan's shadow when she visited us, our bi-black girl Netta is at Joan's feet.


Joan (right) having a chat with Libby Babin of Babinette. 1978, DC&SSA Specialty.


Joan with her adoring fan Netta, July 2009.


One of the last pictures taken of Joan, in August of 2010, with son Terry.