It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Joan after a brief battle with cancer. Joan died at the Riverview Palliative Care Unit with her family by her side. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Lawrence; children, Rose Ann, Laura (Natalie), Nancy (Bryan) and Blair; grandchildren, Sabrina, Candace, Keegan, and Riley; and her great grandchild; Mercedez. She is also survived by her brother Doug Donald, sister Linda McMillan, and nieces and nephews.

 

Joan was raised in St. Vital, graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate. She completed her teacher training and began her teaching career in St. Vital before moving to Brandon, where she completed her B.A. and taught for two years. Joan then moved back to Winnipeg and taught for most of her career at the Manitoba School for the Deaf when it re-opened in 1965. During this time she also completed her B. Ed.

 

Joan and Lawrence were married on July 3, 1964. Both before and during their marriage, they enjoyed canoe camping with the Winnipeg Canoe Club, which is where they met on a camping trip. After the family started to grow, sailing on Lake of the Woods became more practical and continued up to last summer. After retirement, Joan became an enthusiastic quilter and also enjoyed travelling, including with Friendship Force Manitoba.

 

Joan was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed being a mother and expanded that love to every child, especially those in need.  She had a kind and generous soul and loved meeting new people.  She was also an avid reader her whole life.  She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

 

Joan and the family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at St. Boniface Hospital and the Riverview Palliative Care Unit for the excellent care she received during her stay at both hospitals.

 

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Road United Church, 613 St. Mary's Road, at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2018.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan's name to Riverview Health Centre Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.