It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Joan Eileen Huth (nee Hicks) on October 1st, 2017.  While under the attentive and vigilant care of the palliative staff at Riverview Health Centre and with family by her side, Joan, affectionately known as “DoDo”, peacefully came to rest after a brief battle with lung cancer at the age of 79.

 

Joan was born in Winnipeg, Canada on May 24, 1938 the daughter of Cyril Hicks and Mary Demetrioff.  Growing up in the Norwood community mom participated in many activities including baseball and dancing and loved to watch figure skating. When her mother was forced to support the family, Joan keenly embraced the role of caregiver to her siblings.  During this time, it soon became evident that Joan had a passion for taking care of others.  Her calling would eventually lead her to a career in homecare that spanned looking after a private family, working for the Victoria Order of Nurses and volunteering at Meadowood Manor.

 

Throughout the years mom fostered lasting friendships, oftentimes enjoying card games that were made unforgettable due to her talent for cooking, including the famous banana peppers and pickles she served.  In 1959 she married Philip Huth; he was the love of her life.  Together they raised three children and shared many adventures, including a move to California and countless trips to Wanipagow Lake and Manigotagan River to camp and fish with family and friends.  When their three grandchildren came along they took great pleasure in spoiling them.

 

Ever the care giver, at every chance of getting family and friends together, Joan took delight in being the hostess.  She would go to great lengths to prepare countless fabulous meals that never failed to delight those who were invited, and if you just happened to stop by she would insist you stay and join in. Many times she would get requests for her famous pumpkin chiffon and strawberry cream cheese pies!   

 

After grieving the loss of her son and then her husband, Joan again found joy in taking trips with her Aunt Helen and friend Fleury, visiting hot spots like Fiji, Hawaii, Australia, Mexico and Las Vegas among others.  Joan continued to dote on her grandchildren by taking them on shopping trips to Fargo, baking them goodies, chauffeuring them to hockey games and school, gathering for Christmas tree decorating events, and taking them to Christmas mass.

 

Now, mom is lovingly remembered by her son Tim (Jan), daughter Dawn (Glenn) and her grandchildren Devin Huth (Kevin), Joel and Brant Ditchfield.  Joan is also survived by her sister Gail (Lee 2017) and brother Billy (Diane), and sister-in-law Norma.  Joan was predeceased by her husband Phil (2001), son Rick (1999), mother Mary Smith (2009) and brother Gerry (2008).

 

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks and appreciation to Joan’s cousins Diane and Barry, friend Marlene and especially to the 3rd floor palliative care staff at Riverview for the care and compassion given to our mother.

 

Funeral service will be held at St. Emile Roman Catholic Church, 556 St Anne's Rd, Winnipeg, MB on October 10, 2017, 2:00PM.  Private interment.  In lieu of flowers donations to Siloam mission are greatly appreciated.