JOAN HEATHER HELM

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• Lorilea and family, Our deepest condolences go out to your and your family. during this time... - Posted by: Marlene Hunter (co-worker/friend) on: Nov 12, 2024

• I know she suffered for so many years but it is still so hard to know that she is not longer with us. Joan was a real encouragement in the way she dealt with her illness. Always so upbeat. Some of my fondest memories are summers on our grandparents farm. I was the city girl and there was Joan riding the bull. Then there was a family reunion where she was encouraging my young children to jump in the mud. Almost gave me a heart attack because I did not want the kids to get dirty. Years later it was something to laugh about. My deepest condolences to Jim and the family. Rodney you were such a devoted son and grandson. All my love Lynda - Posted by: Lynda Neufeld (Cousin) on: Nov 10, 2024

• Joan was my cousin and I have so many delightful memories of her from my annual summer visits to the farm. Joan and I were the mischief-makers...the hell-raisers much to the dismay of Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Kathy. We once thought it would be a great idea to build a smudge on the top of the clothesline stand. The problem was we used wa-a-a-ay too much dry grass which resulted in a fire instead of a smudge. My solution was to scream. Joan's was to give that big, old blazing smudge a big boot down to the ground. When the smudge pot hit the ground it rolled, emptying the fire onto the dried grass in the yard. We ran down the stairs and started stomping out the flames, praying that no one saw us. There are so many of these memories that I will always cherish. Most people would have given up by the time their MS had progressed as far as Joan's had but she fought on...that will and determination that were her steadfast hallmarks were there until the end. Joanie, I will miss you... your smile, your sense of humor and your spirit. My deepest condolences to Jim, Rodney, Kevin and Lorilea. May you find comfort in your memories at this difficult time. - Posted by: Val Bishop (cousin) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Joan and I spent our childhood playing at Grandpa and Grandma’s farm in Okno, Manitoba. We would chase the chickens, then the geese would chase us, and we would run screaming to the house for grandma to save us. Grandma always had our back. Grandpa had a cigarette roller and our job was to roll his cigarettes. We would steal a few and smoke in behind the barn and nearly burned the barn. Many many memories. Joan endured so many life challenges with MS. Now you are free of pain. Miss you girl Till we meet again Doreen - Posted by: Doreen johnson (Cousin) on: Nov 09, 2024