JOCELYN MAY PUNSHON (1916 014)

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JOCELYN MAY PUNSHON (1916 -2 014) It is with sadness that we announce the death of "Jo", March 30, 2014, aged 98 years and one day, at Golden West Centennial Lodge, Winnipeg. She will be lovingly remembered by nephew John Andrew Punshon, and nieces Sheila Keating and Shirley Punshon-Normand, and Pennington cousins, especially Rod and Mary (wife) Coote. Jocelyn was predeceased by twin brother John (Jack) Morley Punshon, who passed away in Victoria, BC, on March 28, 1995. Jocelyn was good at sports, and enjoyed many a golf vacation and round with brother Jack (who was a member of Assiniboine Golf Club and fought Bobby Reith for the Manitoba Amateur). Unfortunately, eyesight problems later in life, put an end to sports and travel for Jocelyn. Jo was born in her beloved Winnipeg on March 29, 1916. Her secretarial career took her to San Francisco, where she worked for many years as an Office Manager. She returned to Winnipeg to care for her widowed mother, Gladys Helen. Never marrying, she was a loving aunt and faithful friend to many, some of whom dated back to her days at Kelvin High School, and to her membership in St. Agnes Guild (associated with Children's Hospital Foundation). Jocelyn was proud of the contributions the Punshons and Penningtons made to Winnipeg and Manitoba history. Rev. William Morley Punshon was in Winnipeg (Fort Garry) in 1872, conducting the first ordination ceremony in the Northwest Territories, preaching to crowded congregations, and helping to institute Methodist education in Manitoba. He was adopted into the Cree tribe, and honoured with the name Wau-bu-nu-tik, which means "the spirit of the morning". Jocelyn's father, also named William Morley Punshon, set a world's record in intermediate double sculls in 1912, with his friend Phinney, while competing for the Winnipeg Rowing Club. Their names are honoured at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Her father was the Bank Manager for the Selkirk Branch of the Dominion Bank, and later, Accounts Manager for the T. Eaton Co. of Winnipeg. Her maternal grandfather, John Trevor Pennington, came from England in the 1880's to ranch in Holland, Manitoba. The family farm is now occupied by Trappist monks, who have constructed a church, "Our Lady of the Prairie". A second cousin, John Robarts, was Ontario Premier (1961 - 1971). Jocelyn was a true lady who enjoyed the casino, race track, all Winnipeg sports teams, and music. Her sparkling wit will be missed. The family would like to thank good friend May Mclauclan, whose care for Jocelyn, over many years, was like that of a granddaughter. Also, Beth Sones, for helping Jocelyn in many ways in more recent years. The staff, including 3rd floor Head Nurse Wendy, at Golden West, provided a loving home for Jocelyn, for which the family is very grateful. At Jo's request, there will be no service. Her ashes will be interred in the family plot at St. John's Cathedral at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Golden West or the C.N.I.B. 1 Corinthians, 15:57 "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2014