- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JOAN ANDERSON (nee SHELFONTUK) 1944 - 2013 With the grace and concern for others that she demonstrated throughout her life, Joan Anderson passed away, deeply moved by the care and well wishes from her family and friends. At her side throughout her brief illness were her devoted husband Robert C., her children Robynne and Chris (Kelly), and her adored grandsons Calem and Kieran. Her father Michael, mother Edith Shelfontuk (nee Lindsay), and brothers Bob and Lindsay set the course for celebrating friends and family that Joan followed throughout her life. She had a gift for making profound connections with people and she leaves numerous lives touched by the warmth of her home in Dugald, the generosity of her counsel, and her ever-open arms. Joan believed "to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; that is to succeed" (Emerson). Her passion for others was exhibited in her early teaching career, and her two decades of service at the University of Winnipeg where she headed the University Relations Department. She concluded her career helping her daughter run Issues Ink. Throughout, she mentored a generation of young women, including her nieces and colleagues, who have gone on to great successes in their careers. Part of her legacy is the extraordinary community service she undertook. When her mother lost her own battle with cancer, Joan was inspired to make a difference, ultimately becoming the national vice-president of the Canadian Cancer Society. She led the committees that undertook the fight against tobacco advertising as well as leading-edge prevention campaigns including the use of sun screen. She also co-chaired task forces on women and cancer, as well as prostate cancer. She was a national board member for the PC Party of Canada, the Canadian Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and countless other community groups. Her service was recognized by a Canada Volunteer Award, a Canada 125 medal, an Honorary Life Membership in the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Atchison Award at University of Winnipeg. Recognizing her life's work, support for the Canadian Cancer Society or a donation to the Edith Lindsay Scholarship at the University of Winnipeg (created by Joan in memory of her mother to support women returning to university later in life) are welcomed in lieu of flowers. The family offers profound thanks to Riverview Hospital for her care and will receive condolences on Friday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
-
What a shock to Google Joan and Bob and to have Joan's smiling face come up on the screen as the face of her obituary. So sorry and condolences, Bob and all your family. I had missed Joan's Christmas card for the past couple years and wondered what happened to her planned trip to Toronto -- now I am so sad to know the reason. (One of the penalties of retirement -- losing contact with dear friends.) I met Joan at the University of Winnipeg in September 1987 when I was assigned to the fundraising campaign as a rookie associate campaign director for Ketchum Canada Inc and Joan was the public relations person for the University. Luckily, I also began working with Joan on some of her special projects. Few people knew her key role in the battle against tobacco, smoking, and tobacco as the source of illegal funds for criminal activities. For that role alone, Joan deserved highest honours. At the same time, it was an honour to know her. My condolences to all who knew her. Norm - Posted by: Norm Guilfoyle (Friend and colleague ) on: Aug 21, 2015
-
I miss you sis - Posted by: Robert Shelfontuk (brother) on: Dec 28, 2014
-
I met Joan in 1989 through the Futures Committee of the University of Winnipeg. New President Dr. Marsha Hanen struck the committee and, as a new faculty member, I was taken to all the universities nooks and crannies (facilities, programs, administrative committees). Joan was there every step of the way - she included me and considered my input seriously. Nothing could have made me feel more welcome. Later, we both won the Atcheson Award and the Canada 125 medal - we were sisters! We had serious scotch over those. Many years later, Danny Monteiro (who cleaned house for Joan and Bob) and I did some gardening at the Dugald farm. There was much laughter over onion sandwiches, mice in the pool and the size of pumpkins. I shall miss her wonderful laughter. But her memory is bright and enduring. I send my heartfelt best wishes to you all. - Posted by: Sandra Kirby (colleague and friend, University of Winnipeg) on: May 13, 2013
-
My sincere condolences to Mr. Anderson, Robynne and Chris and family. - Posted by: Ken Hastings (Friend) on: May 11, 2013
-
A remarkable woman but a more remarkable Mother. My son Jeff is very good friends with Chris and the boys were together all through high school and remain good friends today. I will never forget when my husband died when the boys were in first year of University and coming home from work very concerned after the first snowfall and not knowing how I was going to cope with my driveway before Jeff got home. I needn't have worried. Chris and Mike Dust had cleaned my driveway. An amazing Mother had raised a very thoughtful and kind son. Thank you Joan! - Posted by: Linda Rigaux (Friend) on: May 09, 2013
-
Joan represents a life so well lived and has left a legacy that will be felt always. It was a joy to collaborate with her on, among other things, the CCS/NCIC Joint Task Force on Women and Cancer. Her passing is a loss to all, but most especially for you, her family. Our heartfelt condolences to you all. - Posted by: Maaike Asselbergs and Roy Cameron (Canadian Cancer Society Colleagues/friends) on: May 08, 2013
-
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all now. - Posted by: Marguerite Edmonds and Family and Tom and Cindy Meads (Friends) on: May 07, 2013
-
Joan was someone I looked up to as a child and I will never forget her. - Posted by: Tamara Colbert (Friend) on: May 06, 2013
-
Our sincere condolences - Posted by: Pat Hardy & Tim Schouten (Collegue & friend) on: May 05, 2013
-
I joined the University of Winnipeg in October 1983, a month after Joan, and had many occasions to work with her over the next seventeen years. She was a remarkably gifted person who always devoted herself entirely to the task at hand. I retain very fond memories of her. My deepest sympathy to her family, colleagues and friends. - Posted by: William Converse () on: May 03, 2013
-
Memories take me back to our early years when Joan accompanied by her brothers and parents would visit her country relatives at the farm. We shared many adventures. As adults we each followed our dreams. Joan's many achievements speak volumes but her love and pride for her family her greatest. Bob, Robynne, Chris and family our sincere sympathy to all of you. Joan will be missed but she will always be remembered. Hugs from your Waluk Cousins. - Posted by: Eileen (Cousin) on: May 03, 2013
-
It was an honour knowing Joan. She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Wade Clisby () on: May 03, 2013
-
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Joan's achievements were exceptional. She will be missed. - Posted by: Norene Hendry & Family (Friend in the Community) on: May 03, 2013
-
We have known Joan and Bob for many years, mostly through our son Shawn who is a good friend of their whole family. Shawn thought of Bob and Joan as his "other family", and on more than occasion, as his preferred one!! We want to send our sincere condolences to the entire family at this very, very, sad time. Joan will be greatly missed by many. - Posted by: Valerie and Don Brook (Friends and neighbours) on: May 03, 2013
-
To Bob, Robynne, Chris and your family. We are so sorry to hear of Joan's illness and subsequent passing. We know that a huge void will be left in each of your lives, but hope that warm memories of her and the impact that she had on each of your lives, will stay with you each and every day and continue to bring you happiness. May she rest in peace now that the battle is over, but live forever in each of your hearts. Our deepest sympathy, Judie, Allan and children. - Posted by: Allan & Judie Larter (& children Justin & Alanna) (Bob's Cousin) on: May 02, 2013
-
The world is a little less bright without Joan. Even the brief time I knew her left a warm and lasting impression. My thoughts are with Bob, Robynne, Chris and your family as you wade through this difficult time. - Posted by: Delaney Ross Burtnack (Colleague/friend) on: May 02, 2013
-
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. - Posted by: Jennifer Nadon (friend of Chris from school) on: May 02, 2013
-
I first met Joan when I was about 12, at one of her after Christmas gatherings for all the aunties, uncles and cousins on the Shelfontuk side. As kids we were made to feel very welcome, and both Joan and Bob engaged us in fun and lively conversation. In the years after, I always looked forward to those gatherings and I know both my Mom and Dad did as well, in large part because they so enjoyed both Joan and Bob. I know my Mom valued Joan's friendship. Though they were many years apart in age (Mom would have been 90 in July), Joan always encouraged Mom in her pursuit of her artistic goals, which mom appreciated immensely. Mom admired Joan's intelligence, her perseverence and was proud of her accomplishments. Joan was not just a mentor to those younger than her! You must be very proud of the person she was. All the Hutsal children are thinking of you all through this sad time. - Posted by: Jocelyn VanKoughnet (Daughter of Joan's cousin Evelyn Hutsal) on: May 02, 2013
Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website