Joan Stricker, who was best known from all of the years she curled in Saskatchewan as well as nationally, passed away suddenly earlier this week.

Stricker's death has sent shock waves through the curling community.

Pauline Ziel-Grimsrude is a member of the Estevan Curling Club, though she did not know Joan personally, her death still made an impact.

"Joan Stricker was a very prominent women's curler in Saskatchewan. Joan has an unbelievable resume of curling accomplishments. Starting in 1980 she was a Saskatchewan Junior champion."

Stricker won five provincial women's championships in her career before retiring from competitive play in 2002.

"It's a sad day and our condolences certainly go out to Joan's family, friends, and community. We should remember her for her accomplishments and her hard work and her dedication to the game of curling and to the province of Saskatchewan for representing us in such a wonderful sport. We need to focus on the good things that Joan did for our community."

At this time there is no word on what Curl-Sask plans on doing in memory of Joan Stricker.