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JOAN SHIRLEY CHASE (LEE)
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
JOAN SHIRLEY CHASE (nee LEE) 1944 2014 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandma. Joan is survived by her devoted husband Ron. She referred to him as her warrior. She thanked him for rescuing her every day for the past three years of her life. Their love and support was evident to many and even though recent years have been difficult, they were able to help others with their humour, acceptance and concern. Left to cherish Joan's memory are sons Trevor (Stacy), Gregory (Joceline); and daughter Jennifer. She will always be remembered fondly by her three grandsons, Addison, Ashton and Julien; foster granddaughter Arianna. She adored all of them. Joan will also be missed by her sisters Margaret Porter and Barbara Hicks; brothers David Lee (Shirley) and Christopher Lee (Susan); brother-in-law Richard (Pat) and Robert (Barbara); sister-in-law Mary Ann Craig (Bruce); and by many nieces; nephews and friends. Joan lived her life with a sense of courage and spirit in whatever challenges she faced. She truly admired the accomplishments of others, never dreaming that she could achieve them herself. Joan's mother taught her a very valuable lesson when she once said, "If you cannot afford it, then learn to make it yourself". Hence, she started the business "Fast & Fancy" teaching others to duplicate those tiny, edible sandwiches, pastries and Chocolate Artistry. This she demonstrated to her clients through representatives trained by her. She also gave classes through Continuing Education. Watercolour is a recent accomplishment of Joan's. Her art is now displayed in many homes across the province. Joan's painting techniques are practiced by many artists, who complimented Joan by asking her to teach them. As a firm believer in "paying it forward", Joan passed on her artistic abilities to those who thought they were incapable of painting with encouragement or simply, a peaceful place to go'. She was not a teacher but an awakener. Joan was always able to find the giftedness in everyone. She shared her love of art at hospitals, a local woman's shelter, markets, and at her home either at Otter Falls in the Whiteshell or in the city. She loved taking part in art shows. Her latest showings were through Brush Works and the Manitoba Art Expo. Through many juried art shows she has been recognized with numerous awards such as Best in Show, and First Place in Chosen Medium. Joan had a special love for St. Charles Parish, especially for Brian Baril as together they shared endured the same journey. They agreed to leave a prayer book in heaven's doorjamb when the day came. Joan called the parishioners of St. Charles Parish Charlie's Angels as they transformed her life and that of her family into many blessings. She referred to St. Charles Parish as her oneness with others, as when they suffered, they all suffered together and when one was honoured they all rejoiced together. Joan celebrated her life in the company of her wonderful friends. She was grateful for the good times she spent with them and the support shown during her lengthy illness. One friend, when told Joan was sleeping and too ill for a visit said, "that's ok, I will just sit and watch her sleep". Joan appreciated the visitors who came great distances and left the hospital well after visiting hours. When the nurse came to her doorway with a wheelchair, and everyone knew she was over the allowed visitor limit and simply took her down to the cafeteria only to be joined by everyone. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, 320 St. Charles Street. Eulogies will be said at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in St. Charles Parish Cemetery. Joan was a model patient and accepted her illness with great strength and optimism. She was spoiled by her doctors and nurses. She will never forget joining the Jamaican dancing nurses in order to get her blood oxygen up. A big thank you to Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba and the pharmacists at Ness Avenue Rexall Drugs. Thank you to the Home Care Nursing staff of St. James. Especially to Carla for the bright red pajamas at Christmas time. Also appreciation is extended to Louise Danserseau Joan's palliative care nurse and friend, for reminding her to cover the petunias. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Joan's memory, to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Wojcik's Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com, 204 - 897 - 4665.
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2014
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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So sorry to hear of Joan's death Ron. My memories of the times the old gang had all those years ago are still fresh. - Posted by: Gary Vatnsdal (Old friend) on: Mar 04, 2014
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Dear Ron; you and Joan will always have a special place in my heart when I recall the many wonderful times we spent together back in the 60's and 70's. Joan was my bridesmaid in 1965, I wish we had had the opportunity to meet again in recent years. You are in my prayers. Suzanne (Ford) Adkins - Posted by: Suzanne Adkins (Friend) on: Mar 04, 2014
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My thoughts are with you today Ron - Posted by: Bill Craning (A long ago friend) on: Mar 03, 2014
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Dear Joan, you were an inspiration to so many and your laughter was infectious, I know you're up there teaching everyone that comes through those pearly gates, how to paint and hold their head high, God Bless you and your family. Will reflect upon you and yours everyday, when looking at the many paintings we did together. You will be so greatly missed. xxxooo - Posted by: Carla (friend/nurse) on: Feb 26, 2014
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Our sincerest sympathies to you, Ron, and your family. We knew Joan from the K of C/CWL cabarets where her gentle, timeless and priceless art was always the grand prize and highlight of the fundraisers. Though I knew who you were at work before your retirement we were honoured to meet both you and Joan at these events. Joan's paintings seemed to reflect the calm graciousness of the artist who no doubt was a real inspiration to many. Our world's loss is Heaven's gain...she will be in our rosary decades. - Posted by: Jeff and Brenda Lee Lutz () on: Feb 24, 2014
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Ron, please accept our most sincere condolences of your loss of Joan. She was admired by many for her amazing talents. Sorry we can't make it to say our farewells. - Posted by: Wayne and Susan Flahertuy (Friend) on: Feb 23, 2014
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I am so saddened to learn of Joanie's death. Margie and Joan were my bridesmaids many years ago in Winnipeg and I have thought of both of them often over the years. My sincerest condolences to Ron, their children and grandchildren and of course, family and friends. It sounds like Joan was a remarkable woman; I wish our paths had crossed more in life and I could have known your family. My prayers are with you. Love, Jo - Posted by: Josie Tyas (Fuller) (Best friends growing up) on: Feb 23, 2014
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Ron and Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult of times. - All of your colleagues in the DSC office. - Posted by: Scott Roger (Friend and co-worker) on: Feb 23, 2014
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron, Rick, Pat and all the family. Joan sounded like a wonderful and remarkable woman and her memory will be cherished by so many in so many different ways! Warm wishes, Linda & Jeff Hauley - Posted by: Linda & Jeff Hauley (in-law's to Rick & sister to Pat Chase) on: Feb 23, 2014
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Ron and Families; please accept our Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your Beloved wife, mother, grandmother. We were very fortunate to have known Joan. She was a beautiful person both inside and out. We have a lovely memory of her in the painting she did of our dog Zoey. We have other paintings of Joan's but this one will always be special. Rest well Joan in the loving arms of Jesus. - Posted by: Chris and Colleen Souce (Friends) on: Feb 23, 2014
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To Ron and family, we enjoyed the times we spent in Thompson together and got a true appreciation of what family is; through you with Joan. May you get strength in this very difficult time. - Posted by: bruce and candy nahorny (friends of Ron/Joan) on: Feb 22, 2014
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Our condolences to Ron and family. Joan was one of a kind and she will always be remembered for her creativity and passion. She taught many students and her work will continue to live on through them. Warmest Regards, Eva and Al - Posted by: Eva Arsenault and Al Heywood (Friends) on: Feb 22, 2014
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Good bye my dear friend. We will met again. You taught me so much and will never forget you. She is no longer suffering and in the arms of her Lord and Saviour who gave her such strength. My condolences to Ron and family. - Posted by: Mary Eisbrenner (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2014
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I am truly proud to be Joan's cousin. She was a remarkable lady. - Posted by: Nancy Edmunds Wallden (Cousin) on: Feb 22, 2014
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I met Joan through a mutual friend, Judy V, and I enjoyed her lovely art. She was a very talented lady and shared her talents with everyone. Her works will be enjoyed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have anything of hers. RIP Joan. - Posted by: Sue Heim (Friend through a friend) on: Feb 22, 2014

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