JOANNE AURISE BROCK

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JOANNE AURISE BROCK

Joanne Aurise Brock (nee Holden) passed peacefully at the age of 88, on September 30, 2024, at Riverview Palliative Care Unit.

She was predeceased by her parents, Aurise and Joe Holden, loving husband Don, with whom she had been married 61 years, son Christopher, and sister Dolores (Chuck). She is survived by three children, Marie (David), Madeleine (Laurie), and Jim; two grandsons, Joseph, Alexandre in whom she took great joy, sister Rita Mae (Gene), brother-in-law Grant Sims, sister-in-law Rosmary Shamess, along with many friends.

Joanne was the oldest of three daughters and born on July 1, 1936, in Piney, Manitoba. Her memory of those early years was remarkable. Mother always said the fireworks every July 1st were in her honour.

She and her family moved to Winnipeg at the age of five where they settled in St. Boniface.

She attended school at Holy Cross, followed by St. Mary’s Academy for grades 11 and 12. Joanne graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and the Honour Of Lady Stick of St. Paul’s College. Mom loved her time at St. Mary’s Academy and her university days were definitely the “Glory days” providing treasured memories which gave her untold joy for decades to come. After graduating from university, Mom taught at Holy Cross Elementary School prior to marrying Don in 1959.

Mom met Dad during the golden era of university life. Mother had a very loving, close rapport with her dear Dad, Joe, and upon marrying Don, indeed carried on in that vein as Mom and Dad had a very strong, and devoted relationship. Their relationship spanned over 61 years. Mom had an expression which was often repeated in saying, “I went from one good man to another.”

Mom and Dad epitomized teamwork, with any of life’s trials and tribulations handled as a united front. They scheduled time for each other on a regular basis to ensure their bond remained strong. Mom and Dad enjoyed joint activities and participated in numerous sports together. Mom was not as athletically gifted as Don, but with great tenacity and determination she embraced the challenge of attaining a level of skill so that she would be a competitive force to be reckoned with!

Mom was quick to say “yes” to any new experience and loved to travel. Alongside husband, Don, she travelled extensively and took many wonderful trips throughout their married life, exploring all of Canada, much of Europe, and with daughter Marie - Mexico, Cuba, and Las Vegas on numerous occasions. Mom always said her suitcase was packed “at the ready” should an opportunity arise. Mom was willing to go anywhere, with anyone, anytime.

Mom met new people effortlessly wherever she went and these connections epitomized her gracious, welcoming soul. Mom kept and nurtured her relationship enjoying many, many lifelong friendships.

The family cottage on Coney Island was a hubbub of activity all summer long. With our parents loading up the four kids in the mighty Chrysler on the last day of school and only returning on September long weekend. Those were magical summers as a child, and showcased Mom’s amazing organizational abilities - what with managing lake life with four energetic kids and entertaining dear longstanding family and cherished friends at the guest cottage for weeks at a time. The guest cottage was occupied all summer long affording us children a variety of playmates throughout the summer months, while solidifying those treasured friendships. Mom thrived in this environment of constant flow of people as she loved everything about life and the people around her, and had an incredible zest for living.

Mom was a mastermind at multi-tasking and this skill set was showcased in her ability to volunteer and organize activities, chair committees for the Church, St. John Brebeuf School, St. Paul’s High School, and St. Mary’s Academy, alongside many other charitable causes such as CancerCare, for which she canvassed the neighbourhood for years.

Mom met new people effortlessly as she had an innate curiosity about people. Mom loved engaging with others. These traits helped make her an exceptional real estate agent, and she enjoyed a very rewarding, successful career for 25 years.

Mom’s easy sense of humour, ability to laugh at herself, perceptive wit and wisdom, and her kindness will be cherished memories. Mom’s outgoing nature and love of life touched the hearts of those around her. We will miss her beyond measure. We are counted as lucky to have had her as a Mom, Grandmother, and good friend to so many.

We thank the wonderful staff of Lindenwood Manor for providing exemplary care to our Mother. To come to the end of life, in the familiarity of her home, which has been the Manor for over seven years, was a blessing to her. For that we, as a family, are forever grateful as it afforded Mom complete comfort and dignity. Mom was transferred to Riverview Palliative Care where she also received marvelous care delivered with great compassion. She deserved no less, after 88 years of a life well lived.

There will be a funeral mass Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church located at 1707 John Brebeuf Place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s College Foundation 213-70 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2M6, a charity close to Mom’s heart.

E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors

204-253-5086

Tributes: ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 05, 2024, Oct 05, 2024