JOAN MARGARET BIRT

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JOAN MARGARET BIRT On Monday, February 22, 2010, Joan Margaret Birt died peacefully with her granddaughter, Nerissa, at her side. Joan was born in London, England October 31, 1918, and came to Canada at one year of age. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, her parents, Charles and Maude Dey, brother Eric, sister Irene Heaton, and grandson Taylor Birt. She is survived by her children: Charles (Mary), Douglas (Kathie) and Janet (Bob Force); grandchildren Cameron and Graeme, Andrew, Nerissa and Jennifer, and David Force (Verland) and Debbie Force (Dino DiBernardo); and great-grandchildren Brayden and Jenna DiBernardo. Joan was an adventurous world traveler, an accomplished photographer and a talented gardener. A lifetime resident of East Kildonan, she loved her summers at the family cottage at Whytewold on Lake Winnipeg. It was there primarily that she instilled in all her family a love of nature. She was passionate about music and theatre and regularly attended W.S.O., R.W.B. and M.T.C. performances. Joan was a graduate of Wesley College and continued to take courses through University of Winnipeg's Continuing Education well into her 80s. She was a former president of Elmwood Curling Club (ladies) and a former Manitoba Senior Ladies Curling champion. She also enjoyed bowling. Joan served for many years on the board of Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, and was a volunteer for the Manitoba Historical Society and Health Sciences Centre. She was a member of the Engineers Wives Club and University Women's Club. Hers was a long life well lived. At Joan's request, there will be no formal funeral. Her family will celebrate her life with a private service. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank all the staff of 1 East at Oakview Place for their kindness in caring for our Mom. NEIL BARDAL INC. (204) 949 - 2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2010