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JOAN CAROLINE MARGARET MOLLOY
Date of Passing: Nov 17, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOAN CAROLINE MARGARET MOLLOY
With full hearts we share the passing of our beloved mom, wife and G'ma, Joan Molloy who left us on November 17, 2025. While our family grieves deeply, we also celebrate the extraordinary woman we were fortunate enough to call grandma.
G'ma was born in Camperville, MB in 1939, and later settled in The Pas with her parents, Roger and Phyllis Chartrand and siblings, Art, Kenny, Doreen and Jeff. Her surviving brother Jeff and wife Cheryl shared a particularly special bond.
In 1957 Joan married Wayne Smith and every year welcomed a new baby. Together they raised their five children, Dale, Kelly (Lise), Lisa Tetrault, Mary-Joan Fatouros (George) and Cara McDonald (Paul). Living on McBey Avenue they became part of a close-knit community where lifelong friendships were made. Long summers spent at The Big Whiteshell was where the family thrived. While enduring her grief of losing Dale at age 12 she never wavered in being present and available to support her children.
In 1983 she married Paul Molloy. At every wedding or social gathering, you would always find them on the dance floor moving together with the kind of joy that made us grandchildren stop and smile. Paul adored G'ma and loved to make her happy.
G'ma had 16 grandchildren, all of whom she loved with her whole heart, and we loved her just as fiercely back. When 24 great-grandchildren arrived Jack and Van anointed her "G'ma". She would call us the bestest in the whole wide world and she would say, "I guess I did do great things in my life!" Countless summers spent with G'ma at Grindstone meant pancakes-always. Her presence was steady and reliable, the kind of love you could rest in.
Gma was proud of her Metis/Indigenous heritage. She served her community by being a social worker with CFS for 20 years. She worked with residential school survivors, travelling to the far north and across the country listening to and being a witness to their stories. She made people feel seen, valued, and understood. She was committed to the leadership and development of Kateri Tekakwitha church.
Thank you, Justin Mitchell, for always being available on a whim for anything G'ma needed. G'ma was deeply loved by so many. The extraordinary support felt from everyone's generosity is sincerely appreciated.
Wake will be held on November 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha church, 268 Flora Ave. Funeral service to be held November 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha church, reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2025
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Joan Molloy was an acquaintance many years ago, together with Paul, her husband. We met through the Nathanael Program and came to know her though the many weekends and visits. She was every bit a lady, and her kindness shone through her smile, which was beautiful. Though we had not seen her, we have not forgotten her. We offer her family our deepest condolences and hope your many memories of her ease the pain of your loss. Our prayers are with you. Blessings, Gil and Dorothy Lachance. - Posted by: Gil , Dorothy Lachance (friendship) on: Nov 29, 2025
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Living next door to this fantastic family for the past 15 years has been a blessing. From Cara and the girls in the early days, to G'ma Joan and Paul and Jack and Van for a season, to just Paul and Joan these past few years. We have watched your family grow as ours did as well. G'ma Joan loved on our five kids, and our kids have played with Jack and Van since the beginning toddling stages. We have been blessed to get to know Cara, Lisa, and Kelly, and to be welcomed to various family events over the years. Joan will be missed. She was a rock and a wonderful gramma to our kids as well. We pray for peace for Paul, until he sees Joan again in heaven. Blessings to the whole family. Joan, you have quite the legacy... - Posted by: Sherri Vanderstel (neighbours and friends) on: Nov 26, 2025
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Dear family, we are so sorry for your loss. Joan was a very lovely person and will be greatly missed. The Wrightsell cousins. - Posted by: Cheryl Wrightsell (Cousin) on: Nov 23, 2025
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What a beautiful tribute to Joan! I will miss popping in when I visit Winnipeg, and can only imagine how much she will be missed by Paul, her large and loving extended family, and many dear friends. I have known and stayed in touch with Joan since 1975. She always showed me warmth and an unusual generosity of spirit, welcoming me into the family fold to dinners, time at the lake, birthdays, and even to help with the odd job around the house. I will miss Joan, but am grateful for the happy memories and her laugh, which I can hear all the way to Guelph! Sorry I will miss the celebration of her life, but I will be there in spirit! - Posted by: Debbie Miller (Long time family friend) on: Nov 22, 2025
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My very deepest condolences to Paul, Rachel, Jack and Van and all of Joan's family. I'll always remember her warmth and her smile. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember their wonderful G'ma. Rhonda Gorham. - Posted by: Rhonda Gorham (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2025
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She will be missed. - Posted by: Gail wood (Friend since we were ingrade 7) on: Nov 22, 2025
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I did not spend a lot of time with my Auntie Joan as I grew up in Alberta but but from time to time I was shipped off, probably with little notice, to Winnipeg for the summer for the Smiths to look after me. It’s these times I have fond memories of my aunt just welcoming me in with her large brood without a concern of another mouth to feed. I cherished her strong but calm presence and I work to enhance that trait in my life every day. RIP A wonder life well lived - Posted by: James Krall (Nephew) on: Nov 22, 2025
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So sorry to hear of your loss, your mom was awesome. - Posted by: Tara MacCoy (friend) on: Nov 22, 2025
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