JOAN ELIZABETH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOAN ELIZABETH McLEAN (nee GILMOUR) Our beloved Miss Joan died peacefully at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday July 26, 2003 at the Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga ON. She was held and surrounded by her loved ones as she passed into eternity. Joan was born on February 28, 1933 in the town of Russel, MB. The first daughter of Joseph John and Vera Gilmour. Her early years were spent on the family farm where the soft rolling hills and fertile grain fields provided a carefree childhood. She was a beautiful baby with golden curly hair and blue eyes, and Mother relates stories of how their "hired men" would always come to see and admire this little treasure after their work day. Joan and her two younger sisters spent many hours playing at Grandma Gilmours where an appreciation of nature, reading, tolerance towards all things and respect for each other was taught - thus "Miss Joan" was how she became known to her family throughout her life. In 1944 the family moved to Winnipeg where Joan attended Issac Brock and Daniel McIntyre schools. She and her sister Ellenor entered the three year nurses training program at the Winnipeg General Hospital where they graduated as registered nurses in 1956. Both of them applied to TransCanada Airlines, were accepted and trained in Montreal as stewardesses. Joans career was rather brief as Donald McLean, who had been courting her for some time proposed marriage and after the ceremony they relocated to Toronto ON, to begin a new chapter in life. Their 46 years of marriage was filled with devotion and commitment to each other. Joan created beautiful homes - planting and caring for her lovely flower gardens and park-like yards. Her interests were varied-she liked to travel and accompanied Don on many business and pleasure trips - Ascot was a highlight. Joan enjoyed antique shows and Don and the boys frequently found the perfect piece to enhance her collection. She loved art of all kinds, animals, music (especially the bagpipes) organizing parties and just being close to family and friends. Joan had a flair for attracting people and was comfortable to be with. She was quick-witted, had a probing mind and a deep inner strength - a kind generous person whose natural disposition was to nurture and encourage others. She believed each friend contributes something to us in life and should be treated with love and kindness. Family was most important to Joan - she loved to celebrate with them on all their special occasions and she gave them love and understanding every day of her life. While she was in the hospital they were in her thoughts and remembering her beloved Don she said "Look after your Father - hes a good old fellow." It will be difficult without Joan but we are all fortunate to have had "the pleasure of her company" for the time allotted to us. Joans memory will be cherished by Don; her loving mother Vera; sons, John, Ross and Tom and daughters-in-law Suzanne and Sandra and the grandchildren; her adoring sister Violet and her husband Michael Halicki, her devoted friend and caregiver Ida Dube and a host of relatives and friends. Joan was predeceased by her gentle father in 1991 and her dear sister Ellenor in 2000. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their kindness and respectful care of Joan in the final days of her life. Cremation has taken place as Joan wished, and a celebration of her life will be held at her home in Mississauga at a future date. Ill love you forever Ill love you for always As long as Im living Miss Joan you will be...

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2003