JOAN MANSELL

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JOAN MANSELL June 11, 1922 - February 5, 2015 Joan witnessed many changes in her 92 years. From using coal oil lamps, when she came to Canada as an English war bride, to using Skype to connect with her English family in recent years, the world has indeed changed. Some things, however, never change. Love and devotion to family are some enduring qualities in which my mom excelled. Her devotion and loyalty to her family was fierce and constant. Joan was immensely proud of her family - her children Art, Norville and Jo-Anne; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born in England in 1922, she was a stellar example of the "greatest generation". She left school at 14 years of age to work as a maid in the home of the Dunlop family (the Dunlop tire family). There, she was willing to work to help support her family, that included seven siblings. Mom often recounted stories of serving English notables, including the actor David Niven. After surviving the Second World War, and marrying Canadian soldier, John D. Mansell, Joan left all that was familiar to her. She came to Canada as a war bride with her two small sons Art and Norville. Once here, she discovered a harsh and alien place where she had few comforts like electricity and indoor plumbing. I have heard many stories of the hardships of those days living in rural Manitoba - like carrying buckets of water from the community well in the dead of winter; having her bedsheets crack in half while removing them from the outdoor clothesline and then spending hours sewing them back together. However, in true brave spirit, she endured, learned and adapted. We could all learn from her bravery and resilience. After the birth of Jo-Anne, the family moved from rural Manitoba to the Elmwood neighbourhood in Winnipeg. Joan worked for many years as a quality control supervisor for GWG Ltd. and took great pleasure in her job. In later years, she and John moved to the Okanogan to retire closer to their sons. She was very happy there in a more hospitable climate. She remained in British Columbia after the passing of John in 1993. There are two unsung heroes who need to be mentioned in this notice. My brother Art and his wife Bev were a source of stability and security during mother's final years. Because of them she was comfortable to the end, passing away in Powell River February 5, 2015. We will all keep the memories sweet.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2015