JOAN MAXWELL REMPEL

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JOAN MAXWELL REMPEL After an inspiring three year battle with cancer; died peacefully, surrounded by family at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, on Sunday, December 17. Beloved wife and best friend of Harvey; loving mother of David and Morgan; mother-in-law and friend of Sheila and Nora; proud grandmother of Leigh and Eric. Predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Carrie Maxwell and sister Anne. She also leaves a niece and two nephews. Known professionally as Joan Maxwell, she possessed a magnificent mezzo voice and enjoyed a distinguished performing career across Canada. She appeared with major Canadian orchestras and opera companies but was perhaps best known for hundreds of radio, television and concert recitals. In the 50s and 60s she was very active-both in Winnipeg where she lived at the time and elsewhere-in all media. Her primary accompanist was Chester Duncan who also arranged and composed several pieces for her. She appeared at Expo 67, is heard on several recordings and performed numerous works commissioned especially for her. She performed at the inaugural concerts at the opening of the Centennial Concert halls in Winnipeg and Brandon, Man. Among many other conductors, she appeared with Richard Bonynge, Seiji Ozawa, Walter Susskind, Mario Bernardi and Otto Werner-Mueller. A spinal injury virtually ended her performing career and she went on to become an outstanding singing teacher in Ottawa, both as Professor of Voice at the University and in her own highly successful studio. She was founder and Artistic Director of the Studio Opera Guild giving outstanding local singers the opportunity to sing major roles from the repertoire. As a wife, mother, artist, teacher and friend she will be remembered as a gentle, caring and loving person who always gave unselfishly of herself. As a patient she was respected and warmly regarded for her quiet fortitude and positive outlook. In Kingston, we especially thank Dr. David Ginsburg and staff at the Cancer Centre and Dr. Gregg Scott - family physician and his staff. Following a recent move to Richmond Hill, Ont., new caregivers, especially Dr. I. Greenwald were most supportive. Following cremation, a private service will be held for the immediate family. A memorial concert and Celebration of her Life will follow at a later date; time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, and if so desired, donations in her memory may be made to the Joan Maxwell Vocal Scholarship (c/o the Kiwanis Festival, 1827 Woodward Dr., Suite 109, Ottawa, Ont., K2C 0P9) or the Canadian Cancer Society (1639 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont., M4T 2W6).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2000