EDNA JOYCE RAMAGE (ROCHE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

EDNA JOYCE RAMAGE (nee ROCHE) With her family by her side, Joyce Ramage passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2009. Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Donald, her three adoring children Derek (Demus Gonzales) of Pasadena, CA, Donald (Cindy) and Patti (Paul Grossman) both of Winnipeg and her five grandchildren, Katie, Jack and Hayley Grossman and Derek and Cameron Ramage. Joyce is also survived by her niece and goddaughter, Lyn Maire of Kelowna, BC; her two brothers, Brian (Joyce) Roche of Kelowna, BC and Eric (Yvonne) Roche of Brockville, ON; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Eileen Ramage of Medicine Hat, AB, Bill and Freda Ramage of Burlington, ON, Cay Crozier of Vancouver, BC and Margaret and Percy Criddle of Sidney, BC; her cousin Olive Bell of Winnipeg, her many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as her good friend, Doug Silk. Joyce was predeceased by her loving parents, Thomas and Edna Roche, her beloved grandmother, Alice Tebb, aunts and uncles, Enid and Allen Noble and Hilda and Gusti Thorvardson, parents-in-law William and Gertrude Ramage, brothers-in-law Jack Ramage and Albert Crozier, as well as her dearest friend Pat Silk. Mom was born on May 24, 1928 and was raised in Winnipeg, attending Cecil Rhodes School. Her childhood memories centred on the close bond she had with her grandmother and her maternal aunts and uncles who, with no children themselves, looked upon Joyce and her brothers as their own. Following school, Mom found employment at the Winnipeg Free Press and it was there that she met the love of her life, Don Ramage. They were married on June 7, 1950. Two sons, Derek and Donald and a daughter, Patti followed. In 1969, Mom and Dad purchased Empire Spice Mills. While Mom primarily worked on the home front, her support was critical to the success of the business. For many years Mom was an active member of the Anglican Church and particularly enjoyed her years at St. Matthews, the choir and the lifelong friendships forged there. Summers were spent at the cottage at Sandy Hook, a place to gather with family and friends over the past half century. Mom and Dad enjoyed many winters in Carlsbad, Pasadena and Palm Springs, CA, where the Ramage siblings and their families congregate. She also enjoyed her visits to Great Britain where she connected with family she heard of in stories as a child. Family was always the first priority in Mom's life. She loved and protected her children fiercely. Mom was always an enthusiastic supporter of our interests and activities, saving her strongest advocacy for the pursuit of a quality education. She instilled in her family the values of tradition, respect and adherence to the golden rule. Mom was extremely proud of her three children, their accomplishments and the legacy of family that has been instilled in the next generation. Mom never waivered in her beliefs and convictions. Mom established a unique relationship with each of her grandchildren. Her special bond with Katie mirrored that which she had with her own grandmother. They shared a love of books, music and truly enjoyed each others' company. Grandma cherished the times she had alone with her eldest grandson, Little Derek , when they could visit and share, independent of the world around them. Those many private conversations gave Grandma the opportunity to shower upon Derek the love, caring and understanding she had for him. She saw in Jack many of the same fine qualities that she admired in his Grandpa, especially his sense of humour and mischief, and they comfortably teased each other with genuine affection. Our family relied heavily on Mom's wise counsel during the difficult time following Cameron's birth as we learned of the many challenges he would face. She maintained that Cameron was a gift to our family who would provide us with far more than we would ever be called upon to give him. Grandma's passing will perhaps be hardest on Cameron as she was the light of his life, and he, the light of hers. Hayley will always be Grandma's baby . Their bond was firmly established shortly after her birth when Grandma held Hayley in her arms while receiving chemotherapy treatments. Grandma treasured her for giving her much needed strength and hope for the future. Mom suffered multiple bouts of lymphoma over the past 27 years and faced each assault with remarkable strength and composure. It is ironic that after cancer being an ongoing threat, her final battle would be with congestive heart failure. In Mom's final days ever present were her dignity, courage and great concern for the well-being of her family. Funeral service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Broadway and Osborne, on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Larry Bird, David Brown, Ron Buskens, Bill Markiw, Allen Silk and Dan Sullivan. Honourary pallbearers will be Mom's dear friends, Lois Andree, Doreen Barrott, Mae Johnson, Gladys Mildren, Roberta Rafter, June Walker and Elaine Wallace. The family wishes to acknowledge the care and compassion provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Ward who made Mom's final days as comfortable as possible. The love and support from Christine Hansen and Lorraine Lichacz during this most difficult of times was also much appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Movement Centre of Manitoba, 1646 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2G 1N7 (ph. 489-2679). Therapy, support and opportunities for children with cerebral palsy were of paramount importance to Cameron's Grandmother. NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2009