JOAN SCHESKE (ANDERSON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOAN SCHESKE
(nee ANDERSON)

Joan was born in Laraghshankill, Armagh County, Northern Ireland on August 7, 1933, and we are sad to announce that she passed away on May 14, 2020, at the age of 86 years, after a brief illness.
Joan is survived by her three stepchildren, Glenn, Gregory and Pamela; her step-son-in-law, Reverend Harold Ritchie; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews in Ireland; and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Ad Scheske in 1999, who she married in 1976; one stepdaughter, Judith Ritchie of Winnipeg; and her siblings in Ireland, Reggie, Derek and Margaret.
Prior to immigrating to Canada, after obtaining her qualifications in nursing and midwifery, Joan arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1968 to enter a one year postgraduate training program in critical care and ICU nursing at Winnipeg General Hospital (H7). The concept of a special unit to care for acutely ill patients was in its infancy that year and the new H7 unit attracted nurses and doctors for training in this new specialty from all over North America and Europe. Joan remained at Winnipeg General following her training and eventually became a head nurse in the Emergency Department. Endeavouring to further enhance her skills and training, she enrolled in the nursing degree program at the U of M, obtaining her BSc in nursing in 1976. In 1980, four years after her marriage to Ad Scheske, they moved from Winnipeg to Vernon, BC. Joan joined the nursing staff at Vernon Jubilee Hospital where she worked for 16 years until her retirement in 1996. Her life in retirement revolved around her church family at Living Word Lutheran Church. Her kindness and caring could be counted upon to help her many friends over the years, providing them with support and transportation to their various appointments, etc.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, May 21, 2020. The number of those present was limited, in respect for the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Joan to the Living Word Lutheran Church, 6525 Okanagan Landing Road, Vernon, BC V1H 1M5, the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, 2101-32nd Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5L2 or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements were made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.,
5605-27th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 8Z5
250-542-1187

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2020