Celebrating Joan Ford

There are people who do a job — and then there are people who become the heart of a place. For our Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, that person is Joan Ford.

As Joan celebrates her 80th birthday in May, she also marks an extraordinary milestone: 15 years of dedicated service as our Visitor Center Coordinator. It’s a moment filled with gratitude, admiration, and more than a few bittersweet emotions as we prepare to say “thank you” and cheer her on as she enters her well-deserved retirement.

Joan’s story began in Canada, where she was born and raised. From an early age, this spirited young woman had a passion to succeed and a taste for adventure. Her journey has taken her around the world — building a successful career with large corporations — before she ultimately chose a quieter life rooted in beauty and purpose here in North Idaho. She is the proud mother of two grown children — Steve (married to Kathy) and Jenny (married to Tom) — and nothing brings her more joy than spending time with them.

If you’ve ever stepped into the Coeur d’Alene Visitor Center, chances are you’ve been greeted by Joan — warm smile, kind eyes, beautiful French-Canadian accent, and impeccably dressed from head to toe. Joan has a signature style all her own. Whether it’s stunning jewelry, thoughtfully chosen accessories, or her trademark three-inch heels, she shows up every single day polished, poised, and ready to serve. For Joan, it’s never just about looking good — it’s about showing respect for the people she meets and the role she holds in representing our community.

Joan is a woman of remarkable strength and conviction. She knows who she is, what she stands for, and she carries herself with a confidence that is both inspiring and unmistakable. But what makes Joan truly extraordinary is her resilience. Like many of us, she has faced her share of life’s hardships — moments that might have flattened others — but instead, she has chosen to stand tall, moving forward with determination, grace, and an unwavering zest for life. She has intentionally created a beautiful life for herself and her family, choosing joy, positivity, and purpose time and time again. That spirit — that rare combination of strength and light — is a gift to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Joan has an incredible passion for Coeur d’Alene and our surrounding region. She doesn’t just share information with visitors; she shares her love for this place. From recommending hidden gems to highlighting our natural beauty, local businesses, and vibrant experiences, Joan has helped countless visitors discover what makes North Idaho so special.

In fact, her impact reaches far beyond a single visit. We’ve had people return to Coeur d’Alene from all over the world — just to see Joan again. That says everything about who she is and the connections she creates.

But Joan’s care doesn’t stop at the front desk.

Behind the scenes, we call her Mama or Grandma Joan. She has been a steady, caring presence for our Chamber staff, tenants and all the pups who share our building. She notices the small things. She checks in. She lifts people up. She distributes treats. She takes pride in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels seen and valued.

Her kindness is genuine. Her positivity is contagious. Her joy is unmistakable. Joan approaches every day — and every interaction — with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to doing the job well. It’s not just work to her; it’s a calling. And that passion has shaped the experience of thousands of people who have walked through our doors.

As Joan steps into this next chapter, she does so with excitement and well-earned anticipation. Retirement will allow her to spend more time doing the things she loves — tending to her beautiful home and yard, enjoying meaningful moments with family and friends, and embracing the simple joys that come with a life well lived.

While we will miss her deeply — her kindness, her care, her attention to detail, and her unwavering positivity — we are also incredibly grateful. Grateful for the years she has given, the lives she has touched, and the legacy she leaves behind.

There truly is no one quite like Joan Ford.

We invite our community to join us in celebrating Joan at a special event in her honor: a combined Happy 80th birthday, Thank You for 15 Years, and Retirement Celebration on Monday, May 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber.

Please stop by to congratulate Joan, share your appreciation, and wish her all the best in this next exciting chapter.

Mama Joan, thank you for everything. You have made our community better simply by being you.