R. JOAN THOMPSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

R. JOAN THOMPSON On February 23, 2013, R. Joan Thompson passed away at the Victoria General Hospital. She was 93 years old. Joan is survived by her son Tom and daughter-in-law Linda, both of Eagan, Minnesota, and by her precious grandsons Paul of Burbank, California and Eric of Eagan, Minnesota. She is also survived by her sisters Gladys Lane of Calgary, Alberta and Joyce Frame of Winnipeg, and by her brothers Cromwell Smith of West Vancouver, BC and Barry Smith of Nanaimo, BC. Further survivors include her sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and their families throughout Canada, the United States and other countries of the world. All of her relatives were very dear to her. Joan was predeceased by her parents, the Reverend E. Howard Smith in 1940 and Reita Smith in 1952. She was also predeceased by her brother Flight Lieutenant Bert Smith, who was killed in action in the Second World War in 1944 and by her sister Norine Kellet in 2004. Joan was born in Macdonald, Manitoba on October 18, 1919 and was educated in Shoal Lake, Manitoba and Winnipeg as the Smith family moved in conjunction with her father's ministries in the United Church of Canada. She completed Grade Eleven at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg and then graduated from United College with her Grade Twelve diploma. In 1938, she entered nurse's training at Grace Hospital and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1941. Joan was employed in several capacities during her first few years as a nurse and then joined the staff of Deer Lodge Hospital where she spent the bulk of her career. She ultimately became the Director of the Women's Ward at the hospital. Her years at Deer Lodge Hospital had an additional benefit. In 1945, Joan was reintroduced to returning veteran Jack Thompson who had started Grade One with Joan in Shoal Lake in 1925. They had parted ways when Joan's family moved to Winnipeg in 1929. A social relationship became a courtship and eventually the couple was married on July 7, 1951. A wonderful 54 year marriage produced their son Tom in 1953 and eventually their family expanded with Tom's marriage to Linda Kaye in 1991 and the arrival of grandsons Paul in 1992 and Eric in 1997. After retiring as a nurse to stay home with her child, Joan retained her ties to the nursing profession with over 50 years of service to the Nurses Alumnae Association. She also spent over 40 years working in a number of capacities at the Deer Lodge Community Club, eventually becoming President of the Seniors Group. Joan had a lifelong passion for sports. She was a star basketball and volleyball player at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and United College. She played competitive softball into her forties and was a champion bowler well into her senior years. She loved watching all sports, especially the many years of baseball when her son coached and her husband was the public address announcer. Joan's life revolved around family and friends. From childhood, she was known as Joanie the worker . Joan was happy and she uplifted the spirits of those around her. She was a good person who established lifelong bonds with her relatives and friends. What greater honour could be bestowed on a person than the fact that some of her closest friends named their daughters Joan and relatives used Joan as the middle name for their daughters. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, contributions may be made in Joan's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. Cremation will be followed by a private family interment at Brookside Cemetery. She will rest in peace beside her beloved husband Jack. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue on Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2013