Joan Doreen Moore

Joan was the oldest daughter born to Ellen and Ted Webb of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and herself the mother of six, died on August 5 in Winnipeg, at the age of 87 following a long illness. A gracious, fun loving person with a sharp and engaging wit, she was surrounded by the extended family that she loved and the children that she raised.

She is survived by her children Catherine (Terry Pearce), Paul, Sheila Klassen, Eleanor (Jim Hill), Christine (Keith Gillis) and John (Laurie Mills). She left this world with 11 grandchildren: David, Lisa, Meagan, Ben, Jodi, Claire, Webb, Mac, Finn, Galen and Jason (Gwen Healey) and 2 great granddaughters: Jaia and Amaija.

Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter Kelly Moore in 2011, her parents, her sister Irene Webb and grandson Andrew Klassen.

Born on October 11, 1928, Joan grew up on the family farm at East Prospect near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Joan’s early life bridged an era and she spoke fondly of her childhood years: horse drawn winter sled rides to the one room school house, helping out on the family farm, picking berries in the summer and racing around with her beloved dog, Blackie. Her family moved into Portage when Joan was a young teen. Joan’s younger sister, Irene had been infected with Equine Encephalitis as an infant and required more care services that the larger centre offered. Joan attended Portage Collegiate Institute. She loved school and all that it had to offer. Joan benefitted from a tight knit and supportive extended family in Portage and a very close relationship with her Mother’s younger sister, Ada Ellwood and her cousins Joyce Sutherland and Gwendda Harrison. There are lots of family stories of parties, dinners, summer picnics and time out at the cottage “27 West” at Delta Beach with the photos to support the antics.

After high school, Joan started to work as a teller for The Canadian Bank of Commerce in Portage. She was quickly offered a position in Winnipeg at the Main Branch. It was a very big step for a young woman in her twenties to move to the City and board with a family in the neighbourhood of Crescentwood. She worked for the Bank and became Head Cashier; a position not normally offered to a woman. The house she boarded in was only a block from St. Ignatius Church and it was there that she met the handsome Peter Moore at a Young Peoples Dance. Turns out they only lived a half a block apart. She was stylish, attractive, fun and was a centre of attention. Their courtship was long by today’s standards but they were determined to save for a down payment on a house before getting married in 1952. Peter was the oldest of 10 and for Joan this was a challenge to understand the dynamics of a large and bustling family. They worked hard but there were lots of social occasions with family and friends. Lifelong friends of their courtship and early married life were Joe and Maureen McIntyre and Glen and Germaine Stanley.

Joan was happiest with her family and friends around her. She was an engaged parent, who encouraged her children to pursue education, sports, music and art. When children started arriving in 1956, she would spend summers at Delta Beach with her cousin Joyce and her family and was often joined by Irene Little and her children. That cottage was one jumping place. “Rain came in the roof and out the floor.” Sand everywhere, puzzles and board games set up on card tables and oodles of kids. The Moore household was a busy place with Joan at command central. She personified the term SILKS- single income, lots of kids. She accomplished this with great strength and skill, managing all aspect of a busy household. She rolled up her sleeves for home renovations, making all her kids clothes, her own wardrobe and clothing for family and friends. She loved to read and passed on that joy to all. The book the “Secret Garden” was a memorable novel that she read to her children. She was a great hostess welcoming all to her home. She also became the organizer and major domo for a decade of family camping and driving across Canada and the US to see the sights and visit friends. How she pulled it all together in a tent trailer in all kinds of weather, cooking every meal is still a marvel. As her children got older and more independent, she and Peter would travel to Florida to holiday with Joyce and Jim Sutherland, Guy and Marlene Coughlin. They travelled to England to see the sights. Joan and Peter were also up for the challenge and flew to Igloolik, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung and Yellowknife to experience the North. Joan loved going to the theatre and symphony and was a really good sport when it came to learning how to curl, play golf, cross country ski and learn what happens in football and baseball games. She became a big Blue Bomber football fan. She and Peter had a good circle of friends and enjoyed their dinner party and golf groups.

Joan was a devoted daughter and carer for her parents and extended family. She took her cue from several women who were her mentors. Joan surrounded herself and was embraced by strong independent women. Her Mother: Ellen, her Aunt: Ada Ellwood, her Mother’s good friends: Christine Plenty and Eva Billingham and her husband’s Aunts: Rosemary Mooney, Agnes Carmichael and Alice Cook and cousins: Christine Toomey and Helen Leo. Joan also had the support and a network of her neighbourhood pals: Joanne Singbeil, Pat McInnis and Barb Anderson to name a few. Joan was a great one for finding out about free kids programs being offered throughout the city and phoning her gals to line up early in the morning for registration. She was an organizer and a doer.

Joan believed in taking an active role in her community and church. She was a parishioner of St. Ignatius for over 60 years. She supported countless community endeavours and led by example. In 1956, Joan and Peter welcomed into their home 2 Hungarian refugees for 6 months; men who were struggling to learn English and find employment. In the early 1980’s they were an integral part of a church group that helped sponsor and support a Vietnamese refugee family. Joan played a large role in helping the family learn about their new country and city, going to parent-teacher interviews, driving family members to medical appointments and shopping excursions. Joan celebrated with this family when they bought their own bakery years later.

Prayers will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 7:00 pm at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street.

A Celebration of Life will held be on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Ignatius Church.

The Moore family would like to thank Kim, her devoted care companion and to the care team of nurses and aides on the third floor of Misericordia Place Personal Care Home.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Winnipeg Harvest or the Refugee Committee at St. Ignatius Church or a charity of your choice is appreciated.

Joan passed away peacefully. She was a lively woman as well as a committed grandmother and her warmth, generosity and smile will be fondly remembered.