JOANNE WERSH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOANNE WERSH Joanne Wersh, beloved wife of the late Kenneth G. Wersh, dear mother of Keri J. Wersh and loving grandmother of Meghan Hannah Pidskalny passed away quietly on October 8, 2012. Joan was predeceased by her parents Josefa (1966) and Leon Chylinski (1976), her husband Ken (1994), and her brother George (1997). Left to mourn her passing are her daughter and granddaughter, her brother Albert, cherished niece Karen, and many other family members and close friends. Joan attended St. John' s High School and as a result of her involvement in school activities was awarded the Governor-General's Medal in 1950. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1954 and a Master of Art's Degree in 1962, majoring in Psychology. Joan then held the position of Clinical Psychologist at the Health Sciences Centre until 1968 when she joined the academic staff of the newly formed clinical training program, the Psychological Services Center at the University of Manitoba. She held the rank of the Lecturer and Senior Instructor specializing in psychological assessment. Her other interests were in the area of childhood disorders such as learning disabilities, hyperactivity, and in behavior management. Together with a colleague she supervised a community-based clinical training program in the Pediatric Department at the Manitoba Clinic for 14 years. Joan was actively involved in the activities of the psychological community in Manitoba. She was a Charter Member of the Psychological Association of Manitoba, a member of the Canadian Psychological Association, the Ontario Board of Examiners in Psychology, and the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. She was elected to the board of the Provincial Council of Psychologists for several terms, and as well served Winnipeg Mental Health Network, and the Manitoba Psychological Society. Joan married her beloved husband Ken in 1968 and they were both always unconditionally devoted to their family. She could not have been more delighted with the arrival of her granddaughter Megsie in 2003. Following the untimely death of her husband, Joan was especially grateful for the love and support she received from her daughter Keri and her many friends. After choosing early retirement from the University of Manitoba in 1991, Joan and Ken travelled extensively in Europe and South-East Asia, and spent winter months at their condo in Puerto Vallarta. After retirement Joan also volunteered with the St. Agnes Guild of the Children's Hospital, the Women's Committee of the Art Gallery, the University Women's Club, and the International Friendship Club in Puerto Vallarta. Together with a commitment to her family and her professional life, Joan loved her home, her flower and vegetable gardens, and the family cottage at Victoria Beach, making these warm, comfortable and welcoming for her family and friends. Throughout her life Joan enjoyed the outdoors, had been an active tennis and badminton player and continued these sports as time permitted. She was also a Bridge and Mah Jongg enthusiast. She was blessed with a great deal of energy and ability to organize, allowing her to manage the many challenges and obligations throughout her life. Joan was very appreciative of the excellent medical care she received over the past years from Dr. Patricia Harris and Dr. Ranu Bhayan and lately from Dr. James B. Johnston, and the family would like to extend their thanks to them. We would also like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for the quality care provided and the incredible kindness shown at this difficult time. As well as the two physicians that came immediately to her aid at McNally Robinson. Because Joan wanted to continue life's journey as quietly and privately as she lived it, she requested that no formal funeral services be held, however, a celebration of her life will take place on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. Should friends desire, donations in her memory can be made to a favorite charity. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Oct 13, 2012

JOANNE WERSH Joanne passed away quietly on October 8, 2012 at Health Sciences Centre. Complete obituary will follow. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY, WINNIPEG, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Oct 12, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2012