Joan Bens

Joan (Walker) Bens
December 21, 1942 - November 28, 2025

The family of Joan Bens is greatly saddened to announce her passing in Saskatoon.

Joan was born in Regina to Rosa (Nagel) and Bob Walker. Her early years were spent in the Sutherland neighbourhood of Saskatoon and in 1956 the family moved to Regina when her father was appointed to the cabinet of the provincial government.

Upon graduating from high school at Regina's Luther College, Joan earned a BA in English and a teaching diploma from the University of Saskatchewan. While in university, Joan met Bob Bens. After she had spread her wings and worked at a library in Calgary and as a teacher in Vancouver, Bob wooed Joan back to the prairies. They were married in 1966 in Saskatoon and Joan continued to work as an elementary school teacher until 1969.

Joan and Bob raised three daughters on their farm south of Biggar. Joan had a lifelong love of horses and welcoming new foals and rides in the countryside were highlights in the summers. During many winters, she rode her horse at Ebon Stables just outside of Saskatoon where wonderful memories and friendships were formed.

In Biggar, Joan enjoyed being part of the community. She would volunteer for school events and help with theatre fundraisers and the annual music festival. She and Bob got involved in the Biggar Museum & Gallery and local history projects. Joan also supported refugees and other newcomers as a volunteer and through teaching contracts for language instruction in both Biggar and Rosetown.

Joan and Bob brought their active farming career to a close in 1997. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2003. In the next phase of life, Joan moved to Saskatoon. She was part of a thriving social circle and was able to travel widely with many dear friends and with her brothers Ken and Jim.

On November 28, after living with cancer and with strength for 4 years, Joan passed away. Joan will be deeply missed by her three daughters, their husbands, and 8 grandchildren: Susan Bens (Julian, Nadia, Mariska Demkiw), Marlis Bens (Steve, Nathan, Archer, Chelsea Pangracs), Sarah Bens (Mike, Ella, Aidan, Finn Hydomako). Sharing in the loss are Joan's sister-in-law Lesley and niece Kate Bens, brothers Ken and Jim Walker and their families, the family of her late brother Doug Walker, special cousin Heather Keen, and many close friends. In addition to the loss of her husband Bob, Joan was predeceased by her own parents Bob and Rosa, and her brother Doug; and by Bob's parents, Russell and Mildred, and his brother, Allan.

A service with the theme of gratitude, as requested by Joan, will be held December 22 at 2:00pm at Grosvenor Park United Church (407 Cumberland Ave S in Saskatoon). A burial will take place at a later date at the Biggar Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.

Those wishing to make a donation in Joan's name are invited to consider the Grosvenor Park United Church, a spiritual community she has cherished and whose outreach and inclusion efforts she believed in; and/or the Saskatoon Open Door Society whose support to newcomers she valued.