JOAN AILEEN TOLTON

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JOAN AILEEN TOLTON

Joan Tolton (née Sundell) peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the Simkin Centre, Winnipeg; at 96 years of age. Mom lived a very full and rewarding life. She was always fashionable and enjoyed socializing with family and friends.
Joan was born on the family farm on August 30, 1925 at Holland, MB; the seventh and youngest child of Minnie (Ailsby) and J. Alex Sundell. Mom received her education in Holland except her Grade 12 was taken at Bruxelles Convent. During the Second World War, a teacher shortage occurred. Joan, at age 16, was chosen as a Permit Teacher, and taught at two country schools, Cyprus River and Mimir, MB.
Joan talked about her happy childhood on the farm. Mom loved all sports, also singing and playing the organ and piano by ear! She loved to ride the pony "Lady" and hitched her up to the buggy to take lunches out at harvest time. Milking the cows at harvest time was not a favourite! She was a member of the local Poultry Club with her sisters for several years. Parade marching was a highlight of school days and the local Agriculture Fair Day.
Mom's gift of music was shared with her family and friends her entire life. As a young teenager, she played in a band for many dances in the area, as long as her sister Norah was going! Joan played piano for many sing-a-longs for well over 85 years.
Joan worked for four years in Winnipeg at the Bank of Montreal, main branch, in the Current Accounts Department. She made many lifelong friends during those years. Mom actively enjoyed all sports. She was a member of the BMO Softball Team, which won the Commercial Softball League in 1949. Her Wildwood curling team won the Winnipeg Ladies Curling Championship (Mitchell Copp trophy) in the 1960s. Joan participated in the Canadian Senior Summer Games as a member of the Manitoba Ladies Golf Team (over 80 years) and won Gold.
Joan met Hayden Tolton, the new Ag. Rep. at Holland, while home one weekend in 1949. They were married on May 26, 1951 at the Holland Anglican Church; their 70th Wedding Anniversary Celebration was held this year. Joan and Hayden resided in Holland until 1954, their son, Tom, was born there in 1953. They moved to Fort Garry, Winnipeg; where they lived for 23 years. Their daughter, Aileen, was born in 1956. Joan was involved in many community groups and was an active member of St. Paul's Anglican Church; as a member of the Chancel Guild, leader in Jr. Auxiliary and Mother's helper in Cubs and Boy Scouts.
In 1977, Joan and Hayden moved to Portage la Prairie. Mom was very active in the community and made many good friends; then to Carman 17 years later. Special friendships were made, especially golfing. Joan and Hayden were fortunate to travel extensively, Spain, British Isles, Sweden and many parts of Europe and Caribbean to name a few. Joan and Hayden wintered in Pine to Palm in Weslaco, TX for over 20 years and enjoyed the comradery with many American and Canadian friends. In 2010, Mom and Dad moved into Lindenwood Estates in Winnipeg, a very friendly, vibrant community. The time came to transition to the Lindenwood Manor in 2017. In February 2021, Joan and Hayden relocated to the Simkin Centre. We wish to express our gratitude to the entire staff at Simkin, especially Weinberg 2, for the extraordinary care extended to Joan and all her family.
Joan is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by Hayden (husband), son Tom, June (daughter-in-law), daughter Aileen; four grandchildren: Ashley (Lawrence), Kiersten, Stephen (Manon), and Bryce (Sara); five great-grandchildren: Maksim, Amelia, Dylan (Hannah), Huxley and Navi; brother and sister-in-law, Tom Sundell (Audrey); sister-in-law Frieda Tolton and many cherished nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Joan's life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's name may be made to Siloam Mission (300 Princess St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1M3)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2021