JOSEPHINE THERESA NEIL (SCHAN)

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JOSEPHINE THERESA NEIL (nee SCHAN) November 3, 1924 - November 25, 2013 Josephine passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 89 years. She is lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed by her husband Bill, daughters Nancy (Don) and Susan (Bill), sons John (Shirley) and Bill (Sharon); eight grandchildren Kevin (Sheryl), Andrew (Bonnie), Jayne (Dariusz), Vanessa (Mark), Kyle, Megan, Carson and Taylor; five great-grandchildren, Hudson, Ashton, Everett, Matthew and Alayna; sister Mag Handkamer, sister-in-law Nell Neil, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jo was predeceased by her parents, Josephine and John; sister Veronica and brothers Otto and Roy; brothers-in-law Joe Cielen, Paul Handkamer, Ted Neil, Kaz Skulski and Mike Zadorozny; sisters-in-law Elsie Schan, Mary Skulski and Kay Zadorozny; nieces Elaine Zadorozny and Joyce Cielen. Jo was born and raised in Morden, MB and then moved to Winnipeg where she was employed at Vita Health and furthered her career with a move to a position with the Federal Government. Bill and Jo were married on June 21, 1947 at St. Joseph's Church and enjoyed 66 fulfilling years together. Despite their many varied interests, family was always a priority. Whether it was standing on snow banks at hockey games, watching baseball games or listening to countless hours of piano practice and recitals, Bill and Jo were always in attendance providing their children with never ending support. Jo's support continued throughout their lives with her involvement in Bill's high profile positions in the War Amputations of Canada. Bill and Jo were accomplished card players both at home and while vacationing with family members and friends, and in particular Jo's sister Mag and her husband Paul. Jo's love and dedication to her family was apparent when her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all present on November 3 to celebrate her 89th birthday. Jo had natural athletic abilities which she demonstrated with her involvement in youth baseball in Morden, curling and her noteworthy accomplishment in bowling where she received an award for a score of "405" in a 5-pin bowling league. Jo's creative talents were no more evident than with her sewing and crocheting projects. She received awards for her crochet pieces which are displayed with pride in her daughters' homes. Her talents extended outside the home with the many university papers she typed throughout the years for appreciative students. Mom will always be remembered by her children and grandchildren for her "never fail" recipes, i.e. holopchi, dumplings, pork stew, buckwheat and her infamous noodle pizza. One of Jo's most notable and personal accomplishments was the leadership she provided to the St. Joseph's Catholic Women's League serving a three year term as President. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at Kildonan Medical Centre, W.R.H.A. Family Managed Home Care and the many comforts of Home-Care caregivers and office staff who in large part made it possible for Jo to remain in her home. Memorial Service will be celebrated on Friday, November 29 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Mountain and Andrews. Interment at Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba or the War Amputations of Canada. We love you forever!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 27, 2013