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JOAN MIMA GAUDREAU Obituary pic

JOAN MIMA GAUDREAU

Born: Apr 21, 1935

Date of Passing: Sep 22, 2016

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JOAN MIMA GAUDREAU (nee MacINNES) April 21, 1935 - September 22, 2016 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife and mother, Joan Gaudreau, at the age of 81, on September 22, 2016. She was predeceased by her parents and her oldest son Mark. She will be sadly missed by her husband Ernie; children, Todd, Guy (Melanie), Erin (Rob); and only grandchild, Samantha (Sammy). Joan grew up in Kenora, Ontario and Winnipeg, graduating from Gordon Bell High School in 1953. Through her love of figure skating, she joined Ice Capades and travelled throughout North America in the 1950s. Eventually she met Ernie, the love of her life, and they married in May of 1959, started a family, residing in St. Vital until 2012. After years of being a devoted housewife and Mom, she began to utilize her skating ability and knowledge. Initially teaching figure skating and basic skating, which evolved into her becoming one of the most sought after power skating instructors in Manitoba. She not only taught throughout the province, but was also involved with numerous hockey schools and was even hired to work, training junior level hockey teams. We are proud to say, any kid who was in skating classes in the 1970s and 1980s remembers this 4' 11" powerhouse who could skate circles around all of us. In addition to teaching, she also spent many years as the City of Winnipeg Skating Program Coordinator, until her retirement in 1992. Mom was adored by all who knew her. She loved to laugh, was full of personality and could light up a room with her beautiful smile. She cherished her family and friends, and loved just being at home spoiling her dogs, bird watching, enjoying her favourite TV shows and doing crosswords. In her final years, she found the most joy in watching her granddaughter Sammy dance for her in her room. We would like to thank the entire staff at Parkview Place Care Home for their compassion and for taking such excellent care of Mom over the past four years. You are truly angels on this earth! Cremation has taken place and as per Mom's wishes, no funeral service will be held. A private family gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society in Joan's memory.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Guy, Todd, Erin and Mr. Gaudreau, I am sorry to read of the passing of your mom and wife respectfully. I'll always have vivid memories or my power skating classes and the hospitality extended when I visited the Gaudreau home on Triton Bay. Many wish to live life leaving a legacy and Joan did. I offer my sincerest sympathies at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Mike Makwich (Friend of "The Boys") on: Oct 06, 2016

  • Erin and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom, Erin. She was my figure skating teacher in the 70's, she was a wonderful woman and such a loving mother! I hope all the special memories of your mom carry you through this difficult time. Sending you some hugs xo - Posted by: Mavis Milroy (Friend of Erin) on: Sep 28, 2016

  • We are so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. No matter how old we are, the loss of a mother is heart breaking. Your mom was a great person with a good sense of humor. Our sincere sympathy - Posted by: Carol & Dave McLeod (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2016

  • Dear Erin and family - I am so very sad to hear of your mom' s passing. I always had so much fun at your house growing up. She was a special lady. Hugs my dear. - Posted by: Lori dudych (Erin's childhood friend) on: Sep 25, 2016

  • As a young girl I had a fantastic figure skating teacher at Clifton Comminuty Club (Mrs. Geaudreau as we called her). I completed all the badges I could at the club level then I was shown by her how to be a teacher to young children. Yes, I did teach at Clifton for a few years and that was when we were outside. The kids could go inside to warm up but as teacher, I stayed out with others. I finally got to teach indoors at Sargeant Park and I thought that I had hit the big time - heat! Through her I even tried out for the Ice Capades. Did not make it but felt really good at having tried. I have always appreciated Mrs. Geaudreau for her patience in teaching and her knowledge of the figure skating world. She was a beautiful person, both inside and out. - Posted by: Judy (Figure skating student turned teacher) on: Sep 25, 2016

  • Joan was a wonderful and joyous person who always had a big smile on her face! I first met Joan when she came to the St. James Civic Center to teach power skating. Joanie was known citywide and loved by all. She willed be missed by all who knew her! To Ernie and family, my deepest sympathies for your loss. May she rest in peace, god bless! Jim Swail, friend. - Posted by: Jim Swail (Friend and co-worker) on: Sep 25, 2016

  • I had the honour of meeting Mrs. Gaudreau on numerous occasions through my friendship with Erin. The love she had for her family was so obvious!! There was a spark whenever she spoke of her daughter and sons. That spark will continue to light the sky every day! - Posted by: Leslee Munro (Friend of Erin Crozier) on: Sep 24, 2016

  • The Gaudreaus were our neighbours across the street on Triton Bay. My earliest memories are of playing with the Gaudreau boys, and going to their house. Joan was a boisterous, happy presence in our neighborhood. I often went there for lunch, when my mom was substitute teaching. Joan truly cared about the kids in our neighborhood. Joan was always there when we needed help. I remember when we all got into trouble for shooting off firecrackers in the park. Joan chewed all of us out. I was ashamed, and embarrassed. But, it was only because she cared. I remember Joan showing me photos of her when she starred in Ice Capades. She taught many of us figure skating, and power skating at St. Vital Arena. She was an amazing skater! I always wanted to call her Mrs. Gaudreau. She would always say in her booming, friendly voice, "Call me Joan!" And I did. I miss her. - Posted by: Kerry Hilton (Neighbour) on: Sep 24, 2016

  • My sincere condolences to the Gaudreau family. I have so many great memories of your mom while growing up 2 doors down from you. One of my favorite memories came after I had my own children. I had put my young son in skating lesson, he wasn't too sure about skating and didn't want to go on the ice, however he would go with Mrs. Gaudreau, Nanny's friend. She always made sure she took a few minutes and skated around the ice with him. She was a great lady. - Posted by: Cindy Zeglinski (Family Friend) on: Sep 24, 2016

  • Hello Ernie and family, Joan was a special person in my life. She was my first figure skating instructor at Deer Lodge Community Cub. Her influence helped me to further my career as I became the founding pro of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club while putting myself through university. I also remembermany Physical Education Supervisor's parties. Her bubbling personality always added a great deal to any party. May she rest in peace. Take care! Gordon Payne+ - Posted by: Gordon Payne (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2016

  • I remember Mrs. Gaudreau teaching me power skating when I was a young boy trying to be a good hockey player. She was so encouraging and enthusiastic. She hugged me after I scored my first goal! Such a lovely lady! - Posted by: Chris sigurdson (Neighbour ) on: Sep 24, 2016

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