JOAN ELSIE FULLER (GARRETT)

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JOAN ELSIE FULLER
(nee GARRETT)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Joan, on April 1, 2019, at Holy Family Nursing Home, at the age of 96 years. Mom passed peacefully with daughter Gillian and dear friend Heather Webster at her side.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Owen (1991) and son Richard in (1948).
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her family, son Michael (Carolynne), daughter Gillian (Norman), grandson John (Priscilla) and granddaughter Christine (Peter). Great-grandchildren, Garret, Olivia, Thomas, Lexi and J.J.; sister Barbara Mortimer in Edmonton; sister-in-law Grace Telford in Victoria, BC, together with many nieces and nephews.
Joan was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1922 (The Roaring Twenties) to Elsie and Sidney Garrett. She completed her education in Wales and then moved to Forest Hill, London to begin her career with National Westminister Bank. During the Second World War, Joan volunteered with the Women's Auxiliary Corp. It was during this time she met "the love of her life" Owen, who was stationed in London with the Canadian Army awaiting deployment to Italy. They married in Forest Hill, London, at wars end in December of 1945. Owen's battalion returned to Canada at the end of December, 1945 while Joan remained in London. In October of 1946 Joan arrived in Canada to begin her life with Owen, arriving in Moosomin, Saskatchewan.
With Owen in the agricultural industry Joan became very accustomed to frequent transfers though out Manitoba and Saskatchewan. By their third relocation mom had perfected the art of packing and moving and with her enthusiasm and vibrant personality she was able to settle in and develop friendships quickly. She became involved in community interests and took up golf, curling, bowling and playing bridge. Twins Richard and Michael were born in Moose Jaw, SK and daughter Gillian was born in Yorkton, SK.
After transferring, and finally settling in Winnipeg, Mom returned to work and had a very rewarding career as the Director of Volunteers at the Grace Hospital for many years. Here mom flourished, she truly loved working with many wonderful staff and "her" Auxiliary of Volunteers, whom many remained lifelong friends. Joan was admired for her optimistic approach, constant support and team efforts but more memorably for her free spirit, sense of humour and good natured character. She had a gift of making others laugh, handling any situation that came her way, and always saw the best in people. Joan was "small" in stature, but "BIG" in spirit.
After retirement Mom and Dad moved to Nanaimo and enjoyed five wonderful years being closer to the grandchildren and reuniting with many dear friends from their past. They enjoyed travelling across Canada, the USA and numerous winter vacations in St. Lucia.
After dad's passing in 1995, Mom returned to Winnipeg, now to be closer to Gillian and Norman, and friends still residing here.
Mom's greatest love in life was her family and friends. She was most happy entertaining in her home. Every dinner party had a sing- song around the piano with laughter, stories and libations. Big band music was a must and even the grandchildren were introduced to the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and would sing along.
Joan was revered throughout her long, full and accomplished life, for her grace and poise, kindness, quiet intelligence, beauty inside and out, her resilience, strength and for her commitment to family. Mom gave us a life of laughter and encouragement leaving us with treasured memories.
Our family would like to thank and extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Andrea Babick and Dr. Terry Babick for their compassion and exceptional care for mom, Social Worker Linda Kohut and numerous staff on 2A, for the care they provided to Joan during her residence at Holy Family Home. A special thank you to our dear friend, Heather Webster, for the many hours of companionship and care provided, especially in the wee hours of the morning.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the Salvation Army in memory of Joan.

Family and friends may sign a
book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca

Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2019