Joan Barbara Rachael Wohlgeschaffen
Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 27, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church
10014 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1W8
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Obituary for Joan Wohlgeschaffen
January 3, 1939 – May 18, 2026
Joan Wohlgeschaffen was born in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, the youngest child of Alfred and Ruth Ramsankar. Raised in the close-knit community of Gooding Village alongside her brothers Harold, Shadrack, Solomon, Stephen, Philip and Winston, and sisters Esther and Sheila, Joan grew up surrounded by strong family values, laughter, faith, and resilience. Her mother, originally from Grenada, was known for her remarkable ability to grow fruits and vegetables wherever she lived, while her father worked as an accountant in the sugar cane industry. From them, Joan inherited both her sharp mind and her nurturing spirit.
Known affectionately by her Trini nickname “IQ,” Joan was admired for her intelligence, wit, warmth, and vibrant personality. She excelled academically at Naparima Girls’ High School in San Fernando, where she graduated with honours. She was also a talented athlete, earning medals in tennis and golf, and enjoyed music as a novice pianist.
At 18 years old, Joan moved to Edmonton, Alberta, following several of her siblings to Canada to continue her education at Strathcona Composite High School. During those years, she became involved with the Inter-School Christian Fellowship and lived with her brother Solomon. It was there she met Ralph Wohlgeschaffen, a young engineering student and friend of her brother’s, who quickly fell for Joan’s charm, intelligence, dancing spirit, and wonderful Trinidadian cooking.
Joan and Ralph married after a trip to Trinidad where Ralph met her family. Together they built a beautiful life and family, first in Trinidad, where they welcomed sons Darryl, Gary, and Kenneth, and later in Alberta, where twins Kirk and Gregory completed their family. Joan was deeply devoted to her boys and always encouraged them to explore the world, creating countless memories through family vacations across Canada, the United States, Europe, the Southern Caribbean and Venezuela.
Joan was loving, charismatic, fun-loving, and fiercely devoted to her family. She had a wonderful sense of humour, a quick wit, and a strong spirit — and, as those who knew her well would say, she never tolerated foolishness.
She leaves behind her beloved sons Gary (Roletta), Ken (Samantha), Kirk (Mia), and Greg (Jody) Wohlgeschaffen; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings Philip and Sheila; and many extended family members and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband Ralph and her son Darryl.
A woman of deep faith and compassion, Joan quietly helped others whenever she could. She found peace and guidance through her Bible and the writings of St. Francis of Assisi. One of her cherished passages, Psalm 19:1–3, beautifully reflected the wonder and gratitude with which she viewed the world:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.”
Joan had a deep love for nature, especially the ocean, elephants, hummingbirds and polar bears. Tobago held a special place in her heart, particularly Store Bay and Pigeon Point, where she loved listening to the waves, feeling the sea breeze, enjoying early morning swims, and sharing fresh-cooked meals overlooking the water at sunset.
She will be remembered for her kindness, humour, intelligence, strength, and the immense love she gave so freely to those around her.
May she rest peacefully, as the tides continue to flow.
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