Joan Challis, a fiercely proud Canadian and lifelong Manitoban, lost her battle with cancer at the Grace Hospice, Winnipeg on July 13, 2020. She will be lovingly remembered by her children; Pat (Larry), Marilyn (Al), Brenda, Lorna, Roger, Darci (Chris) and daughter-in-law, Leslie; 14 grandchildren and 6 long awaited great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 sisters-in-law, many extended family members and long term friends. Joan was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1997, her son Bob in 2019, 2 sons in-law, her parents, 4 sisters, 3 brothers including her twin, several in-laws, and numerous close friends.
Joan was brought up on a small family farm in Elkhorn in the Burnbank School District during the Dirty Thirties. She was at the younger end of a large family and her youth would shape her entire life. Joan followed in the family tradition, choosing teachers’ training - Manitoba Normal School Class of 50-51.
Joan married the love of her life, Bill on August 8, 1952 and started a family. Somehow, they managed to keep 7 children fed, clothed and mostly healthy! As a primarily stay at home mother, she was responsible for keeping her growing family on the straight and narrow. So much to coordinate - music, dance & swimming lessons, various competitions, concerts, camping, library, and Sunday School. Along with her family activities, Joan found time for some substitute teaching and a few term positions. She also volunteered in the communities where she was residing - Elkhorn, Oakbank, Brandon, Glenlea and South Winnipeg. Several groups became dear to Joan’s heart throughout her life; her Normal School Class, Independent Order of Foresters, Dugald Costume Museum, Chimo Toastmistress Club, Women’s Institute and the Friendship Force.
Earlier, Joan enjoyed travelling with her beloved Bill. They visited The Bahamas, Hawaii, England, Ireland, Mexico, many US states, and spent some winters in south Texas. Joan travelled coast to coast across Canada by car. These road trips frequently included visits with extended family along the way. Later, she also participated in several Friendship Force travel adventures and some cruises. A few years ago, she fulfilled a lifelong dream and journeyed to Paris and Monet’s Garden.
Joan had a very strong sense of her likes and dislikes and emphatically expressed both. She expected her tea to be made with vigorously boiling water, steeped in a proper teapot and then served clear, in a thin walled china cup. She liked family gatherings of any size, Sunday suppers of roast beef or BBQ’d steak, Christmas shortbread, maple walnut ice cream, driving in the countryside, the colour purple, having her hair combed or her feet rubbed with cherry blossom scented Jergens lotion. She loved to dance with Bill, be it a waltz or a polka. She savoured spending summer months at the little pink house in Elkhorn, while winter months brought hours of watching curling, usually pulling for the Manitoba rinks.
Joan relished puzzles of various types. There was always a new Christmas jigsaw puzzle to be worked on, along with the previous ones. At the Wellington, she could often be found at the puzzle table. The newspaper crossword, cryptoquote and jumble were solved most days. In later years, Joan found relaxation in completing her word search books page by page. She also enjoyed card games like cribbage, 99 or Screwy Rummy and board games like Rummoli, Rummicube, or Boggle. Many evenings were spent around the dining room or camper table playing games - even if the “house rules” were frequently changed in her favour.
Joan’s passions and hobbies expressed her artistic side. She had a talent for bringing her visions to reality. When drawing, whether with water colours, oils, pastels, felt markers, or liquid embroidery, anything could become her canvas - kitchen chairs, pillows, clothing pieces, tablecloths, garage walls, jar lids from the recycle bin or stones picked up on her walks. With her sewing machine, she could create matching outfits for her girls, dance or Halloween costumes, grad dresses, and church attire, all that seemed to appear overnight. Her skill set also included embroidery, smocking, ribbon embroidery, petit point and her favoured knitting. Many of her creations are still being cherished by lucky recipients.
Another vision Joan spent many happy hours cultivating was her gardens. She loved flowers! Her favorites included lilacs, peonies and roses, both growing and arranging them. The window ledges were always covered with slips being coaxed into blooming. These treasures continue to flourish in gardens across the country.
Joan was passionate about music. Her love for it was instilled in her childhood home. She ensured her own home was filled with music, as well. She loved to sing with others, adding alto harmonies to any melody. When the spirit moved her, her fingers would dance over the piano keys - a gift to us all!
"The music stops, and yet, it lingers on in sweet refrain.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains."
The family thanks the staff of The Wellington and the many healthcare providers who supported Mom so well. A private memorial service will be held at Green Acres Funeral Home. Donations may be may in Joan’s memory to Dugald Costume Museum or a charity of your choice.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18