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JOAN FRANCES POWELL (STAFFORD)
Date of Passing: Mar 25, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOAN FRANCES POWELL (nee STAFFORD) With family at her side Joan Powell passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 25, 2013, at age 70. Born and raised in a small but loving West End home, Joan was educated at Sargent Park, Clifton School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute. She studied ballet in the professional division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Ultimately, her career was in administration at CancerCare Manitoba, where her devotion, hard work, good cheer and her willingness to go the extra distance, earned her deep respect from her friends and colleagues. Surrounded by family, Joan loved her cottage at Laclu, Ontario and "the lake" had been a part of her life since childhood. She had a profound love of nature and for all living creatures from field mice to deer. This extended to even the tiniest tree bud which would result in countless extra hours spent cutting the grass, carefully avoiding them, lest they be inadvertently damaged. At the lake she was always ready to entertain and was prepared for visitors, of which there was a constant stream. A dog biscuit or treat awaited any four-legged visitors who came by - cows and bears excepted. She was a loyal and long term friend to a huge roster of distant relatives, neighbours, schoolmates and co-workers. She maintained a vast network of people in her life and kept in touch with them often. Those in her life can attest to this, not only through the stories and updates that she provided, but by the all too familiar sound of a busy signal when trying to reach her. There are few in her life who cannot appreciate the sense of accomplishment in successfully calling and reaching Joan! But patiently wait, everyone did. They knew that she valued and cared deeply about each person in her life. Joan loved her family and was extremely generous with all that she had. She would rarely get anything for herself, however, when it came to her close friends and her family in particular, she loved to spoil them. Although she often complained about her poor memory, she never missed a birthday or a significant event in the lives of the people she cared about. Joan was generous of spirit and she assumed a caregiver role to many close friends and relatives throughout her life. Despite describing herself as "shy", when they would not or could not advocate for themselves, Joan would intervene and do so ferociously on their behalf. Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her two sisters, Marilyn in 1977 and Bonnie in 2012. In the midst of a thunderstorm, Joan married the love of her life, Jack Powell in 1966. The union ended 42 years later with Jack's death in 2008. They produced three sons, John (died in infancy, Robert (Cheryl) and David (Celine). Joan is also survived by her beloved granddaughters Miranda (Kevin) Kelly of East Norriton, Pennsylvania, Brianne and Amalyn Powell of Georgetown, Ontario, nieces Kathy (Ron) Kristjansson, Bonnie (Barry) Baltessen and Kelli (Tim) Stampe, sister-in-law Cynthia and brother-in-law Greg Powell, niece Sylvie and nephew Erick Pelletier and many grand and great-grandnieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank her many friends, most particularly Bev and Barry Stanhope, who provided support during Joan's year-long battle with cancer. A memorial celebration is planned for Saturday, March 30, 1:00 p.m. at the Norwood Hotel. In lieu of flowers, donations to D'Arcy's A.R.C. (Animal Rescue Shelter), CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg Humane Society or the Manitoba Genealogy Society would be appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2013
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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What a lovely lady Joan was. I don't think I ever saw her when she wasn't smiling. She was such a lovely kind person. I admired the way she carried herself, and treated everyone around her. - Posted by: marianne humphreys (co worker) on: Apr 09, 2013
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Our friendship began, age 10, as summer neighbours; we caught minnows, pushed each other off the upturned "duck boat" into the lake and hiked to Boyne from Laclu together. Unforgettable to me was, as an intern, quietly turning the corner on the second floor of "old" Children's NICU to see you and Jack tearfully looking through the corridor window lovingly watch as John stoically fought to be a part of you. Our lives were intertwined since, we miss you. - Posted by: Helen and Brian Russell (friends - paediatrician Campbell River BC) on: Mar 31, 2013
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I always enjoyed you so much and wished I could grow up and be just like you. Crescent Bay, LacLu will miss you as will many others . Jack is there waiting for you with his love. - Posted by: Lisa Chapman (A girl who wished she could be just like Joan.) on: Mar 30, 2013
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We were saddened to learn of Joan's passing. We first met Joan and Jack when we moved into our first house, a side by side duplex, and learned that they had just moved in on the other side of the party wall. We and our respective families grew up together there for 25 years, sharing the party wall and back fence. They were always great neighbors, friendly, cheerful, and helpful. Joan was an active member of the street's gals coffee group and and gals bridge club where we pretended to play bridge but often talked and laughed so much that we forgot what was trump. WE remained friends after moving away but saw less of her. Her cheerful smile will be missed. - Posted by: Susan & Garnet Ward (neighbours) on: Mar 30, 2013
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With my mom living in Winnipeg, and also in the same building as Joan, I would see her whenever I came from Seattle to visit my mom in Winnipeg. She would often plan a lunch so we could get together with the old gang from school and we kept in touch by phone a few times during the year. Having been friends since the 7th grade I had the opportunity to know her over a long period of time and even though I didn't live in Winnipeg I still counted her as one of my dear friends. All the adjectives that have described her are so perfect - I will miss her but will treasure all those special memories of her and the times we spent together. - Posted by: Laurie (Konchak) McCullem (friend since 7th Grade, Sargent Park School) on: Mar 30, 2013
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David & Robert, sad, sad news about your Mom. We have some wonderful memories of our 17 years as your neighbours at 113. Although we can't be there on Saturday to help celebrate Joan's life, we'll be thinking of you. - Posted by: Rick & Suzanne Howey (former neighbours) on: Mar 29, 2013
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Words cannot express my saddness at reading of Joan's passing. Joan, Carol (Hay) MacFarlane and I used to lunch together frequently. Joan was the kindest, considerate and most loving person anyone could want for a friend. She faced each day with a spirit of life, and never complained on her own behalf, but became fiercely involved if any of her loved ones weren't being treated properly. Joan, we are all better for having had you in our lives and will cherish her memory every day. Rest in peace dear one. - Posted by: Beverley Smith ( Thurlbeck) (Lifelong friend) on: Mar 28, 2013
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I met Joan sometime after 1985 after meeting Jack at the Norwood Hotel. She used to come and pick him up. We soon became friends, and have been friends ever since. She was the best (and longest) friend I ever had. We always thought our partners must have been related (b/c they had the same last name),but, apparently they weren't. They just had a lot of similar qualities and habits. Lots of good memories with the two of them. I will miss you terribly, Joan. You have taught me so much. Rest in peace.xxx000 - Posted by: Anne McInnes (Friend) on: Mar 28, 2013
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I met Joan sometime after 1985 thru Jack when she would pick him up at the Norwood. We connected, as we thought our partners had some similar qualities. They had the same last name, but, apparently, weren't related. Over the years, we became very close friends. I will miss her terribly. She was the best (and longest)friend I ever had. Rest in peace, Joan. I love you, and will remember you in my heart forever.xxx000 - Posted by: Anne Mcinnes (Friend) on: Mar 28, 2013
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My prayers and thoughts go out to David & Celine, Robert & Cheryl and all of Joan's Family. Over our breakfast "meetings" she would always bring new pictures of her granddaughters and we would delight in all of their new adventures. Joan was such an inspiration and all around wonderful woman. She will be sadly missed by my family and myself. Rest in Peace Joan xxxooo - Posted by: Kelly (Friend) on: Mar 28, 2013
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Joan Powell was one of the sweetest, kindest people ever to walk this earth. She was beloved by all the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, especially the doctors for whom she worked tirelessly as their secretary and all-round "fixer". She (and her smile) will always remain in our hearts. - Posted by: Dr. Lorne Brandes (Colleague) on: Mar 28, 2013
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My thoughts are with Joan's sons and families at this time. It is hard thinking of the days when Joan is not physically with us - she had the knack for making each of her friends and all those she cared for feel very special. She always spoke with pride of family often and always just wished for their happiness and good health. And for friends, both two-footed or four-footed and furry, she loved us all - unconditionally. Joan Powell will be missed so very much by so very many. - Posted by: Terry Cooke (friend) on: Mar 28, 2013
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To Rob and Dave and the rest of your family, I was so saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. I have many happy memories of your Mom from childhood to adulthood. As a kid I used to love watching her "walking" your dog Sandy down the street - she was very fast...hard to tell who was walking who! I also recall bringing her hurt animals we would find to see if she could fix them. She was a wonderful person and a great friend to my Mom over the past 45+ years. We will all miss her and our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. - Posted by: Kristin and Geoff Cusson (Tomkins) (Family friend and former neighbour) on: Mar 28, 2013
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Joan and I attended the same schools together and knew all her family while living in the West End. I am so saddened to hear of Joan's passing and my deepest sympathies go out to her family. - Posted by: Bruce McKinnon (School Friend & old neighbour) on: Mar 27, 2013
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Joan was a wonderful woman who always welcomed you with a smile. I always enjoyed Joan's company and looked forward to a chance to see her and catch up. She was always fun, full of laughter and good conversation. I will truly miss those occasions and it seems very surreal that I will not do it again. Goodbye is never easy. Condolences to her family. She will be missed. - Posted by: Tracy (Friend) on: Mar 27, 2013
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This obituary was so well written and truly brought out Joan's true personality. I grew up with Joan on Valour Road, and have been in touch with her since childhood. She was a wonderful friend and I will miss her emails and bubbly phone calls. I have never met anyone who was more positive than Joan, even when she was diagosed with cancer, she never once complained to me, or felt sorry for herself. Even 3 weeks before her passing, she still could find something to giggle about. To Robert, David, Kathy, Bonnie, Kelli and your families, please accept my deepest sympathy. I sincerely hope that memories of happier times which I am sure are many, will be of great comfort to you now. Ruth (Hastie) Collier, Delta, B.C. - Posted by: Ruth (Hastie) Collier (good friend) on: Mar 27, 2013
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I met Joan through my friend, Kelly Fawcett-Neufeld, who lived beside Joan when she lived at Laclu, Ontario. Meeting Joan was like long lost friends reuniting, she was friendly, caring, honest and a good listener when you needed an ear. We used to do girls get together and stay at a hotel in Winnipeg for the night and do our nails, play bingo and just sat around with good wine and good conversation. I will always cherish those times with Joan and will miss her greatly. Your family is in my prayers and Joan will always be in my heart. Take Care - Posted by: Laura (Friend) on: Mar 27, 2013
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Sincere condolences to the family. Will miss her bright smile, cheerful disposition and willingness to participate at any occasion. LacLu will never be the same Rest in Peace, Joan. - Posted by: Carl & Mary Starodub (friends) on: Mar 27, 2013