KATHLEEN JOAN FLEMING

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KATHLEEN JOAN FLEMING

Early in the morning of December 15, 2022, Kathleen Joan Fleming passed peacefully in her sleep.
She was predeceased by her husband Sanford; her granddaughter Charlotte and her parents, Kathleen and Bert McAdam.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Harvard (Nancy), Alex (Carla) and David and her grandchildren, Andrew (Erika), Justin, Eric (Alana), Jared, Quinn and Rebecca.
Joan was a brilliant woman who voraciously read five books at a time, absorbed four plus newspapers daily (including the Manchester Guardian and the Canadian Council for Policy Alternatives) and soaked in every political story that CBC radio presented. She had a rich and beautiful singing voice, singing for many years as a young woman in the Knox United Church choir – it was a delight to stumble upon her singing in the kitchen in later years. Joan completed her teaching degree at the University of Winnipeg (United College), putting her talents in teaching Latin to good use while Sandy finished medical school. But, by the time her three boys had arrived, she settled into the home arts at 154. Though she never embraced Bridge in quite the same way as her husband Sandy, she enthusiastically supported his Bridge nights with delicious treats and libations for them all to snack on throughout. (If you had a favourite scotch or gin, she had it ready for you.) In fact, whenever Joan was visited either at home or at the cottage, you felt welcomed and always spoiled with wonderful conversation and warm hospitality.
Though Joan was a devoted physician's wife and mother to three boys, her dedication knew no bounds when it came to her six grandchildren – whom all, (except for one tiny granddaughter), towered over her. She had all manner of time to spend at the kitchen table with endless pots of tea (steeped perfectly), bowls of green grapes, cashews and hermit cookies, chatting for as long as they all wanted about their life decisions, school, favourite hobbies, and, most especially, about the politics of the day. She was, without exception, interested in every aspect of their lives. They were her delight. And they already miss her terribly.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Pembina Place Personal Care Home, who took such fine care of Joan for her final months.
As per Joan's wishes, no service will be held, and internment with her beloved Sanford will take place privately at a time when those from out of town can convene.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2022