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JOAN CARLSON (nee CRAWFORD) On March 2, 2015, Joan glided peacefully away from this earth, and into the world of neither pain nor illness. Joan was predeceased by her parents Joe and Jessie Crawford, and her sister Marion Spencer. She is survived by her loving husband Don, daughter Catherine, son-in-law George Derwin, grandchildren Alexandra, Andrew and Brock Derwin, nieces Jean Woolhouse (Tom) and Beverly Spencer (John Lambert), nephew Crawford Spencer (Sandra), by great nieces and nephews, by great great nieces and nephews, and by Jean and Ken Laundy. Born in Fort William, Joan received, in Fort William, her public school education and graduated from the Fort William Collegiate. She received her B.A. from United College in Winnipeg. She then worked for a year as an assistant at the St. John's Library, followed by a year at the University of Toronto, School of Library Science, earning the Degree of Library Science. Returning to Winnipeg, Joan worked as a reference librarian at the Dafoe Library, University of Manitoba. She then accepted a position as librarian for Manitoba Hydro. There, Joan enjoyed five years, when she was approached to be the first professional librarian for St. Vital Library. Joan took over the children's books section, and remained at St. Vital Library for twenty six years, until her retirement in 1992. Joan is well remembered for her countless children's programs, the story hours, her readings to the young public school students and her encouragement and knowledge as to the uses and the "how to" of the library. Joan has been a wonderful wife and companion to Don and mother to their daughter Catherine. They enjoyed their many travels, the theatre, the symphony and their times through the years at Moose Lake and then at Ruttger's Birchmont Resort in Bemidji. This past year Joan and Don celebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary. It has been sixty-one years of happiness. Joan enjoyed to the end her family, her many friends, travels and books. The family wishes to extend to Dr. Marc Elkin, Dr. Patrick Griffin, Dr. Frank Bovell, Dr. Ian Thorlakson, Dr. Heather Adam, and the nurses and staff at the Victoria Hospital its gratitude for their care and compassion during Joan's time of illness and hospital stays. The family thanks Joan's great niece Dr. Susan Woolhouse of Toronto, for her guidance and support. A service to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. Flowers are gratefully declined. To commemorate Joan's life, donations may be made to an organization of one's choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2015
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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Sorry to hear of your loss. Always think of you as I go down the crescent and never a Hogmanay goes past without thinking of the many nights of playing of bagpipes at my parents' house. - Posted by: Hamish (old family friend ) on: Mar 11, 2015
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Dear Cathy and family and especially your Dad. I too remember your mother with great fondness and respect and remember all the times we were at their home during university. I remember those times with great warmth. Your mom had great charm and she is someone I very much held in high regard as she always supported you so completely and was so kind to me. My thoughts are with you all at this time. Heather - Posted by: Heather Cameron Scott (Friend of Cathy) on: Mar 08, 2015
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Don, Catherine, and George, We are so sorry to hear of Jone's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Randy, Tina, and Sally Ruttger (friend) on: Mar 07, 2015
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Dear Catherine, George, Don and family; It is with deep sorrow that I communicate with you on your great loss. My memories of Joan were always that of a loving and caring person. When Don and Joan made their entrance to your home in River Heights, there was an added energy that could be felt by all. There is a new star in the heavens tonight and when we look up into the sky we see the star of Joan looking down and smiling on all of us. Victor Danyliuk - Posted by: Victor Danyliuk (friend of Catherine & George) on: Mar 06, 2015
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Don. We were shocked to hear of Joan's death. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Bill & Jean - Posted by: Bill & Jean Forrester (pipe band friend of Don's) on: Mar 06, 2015
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Condolences from our family to Don, Catherine and family. Take care and lots of hugs from us. - Posted by: Anna () on: Mar 06, 2015
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Joan was a model to many of us on the "proper" but "fun" way to live, love and continue to learn. She will be missed and remembered. - Posted by: Lynn cooper (Book Club Friend) on: Mar 05, 2015
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Joan was a remarkable and lovely woman whose spirit filled the room. I will miss her very much. - Posted by: Thomas Appleyard (Great nephew in law) on: Mar 05, 2015
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We have very fond memories of Joan. She was the Children's librarian when our children went to story time. Our children remember her as so intelligent and passionate. She fostered a love of reading in all children especially our three. - Posted by: Diane (Friend of St.Vital Libary) on: Mar 04, 2015
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So sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Christine Spencer (Friend of Don,George and Catherine) on: Mar 04, 2015
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Cathy and George, My sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom. She played an important part in many people's lives. You have been a very loving and caring Daughter Cathy and your mom will live on in Alexandra, Andrew and Brock. Strong roots make solid trunks that grow fruitful branches. Sincerely Louisa and Henry Ryz - Posted by: Louisa Ryz (My daughter Jacqueline is a good friend of Catherine's.) on: Mar 04, 2015
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Dear Don How wonderful of you to have included us in Joan’s obituary. So glad to read of her extraordinary accomplishments recognizing her remarkable children’s librarianship and innovative approaches. She will be especially remembered by a generation of children whom she made welcome at the St. Vital library. Nothing made Joan and Don prouder than Catherine’s accomplishments – Scottish dancing, Miss Manitoba, head girl at school, first woman partner in a law firm in Wpg, judge – and hers and George’s lively family. She lived and rejoiced to see all this in her long life. We are disappointed that we are unable to be with you on Saturday but a letter is on its way. With much love to you, Catherine & family, Jean & Ken - Posted by: Jean & Ken Laundy () on: Mar 04, 2015
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Sorry to hear of Joan's passing, our thoughts are with you and Catherine. - Posted by: Ernest and Berna Armitt (Friends of Don) on: Mar 04, 2015
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So sorry to hear of Joan's passing. Although she will leave a big void in your lives she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love and graciousness. Our thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Ralph Schnell & Carol Badiou (friends of Don, Catherine & George ) on: Mar 04, 2015
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Don and Catherine I am sorry to hear of Joan's death. She was very proud of Catherine's accomplishments. She was at all dance competitions. Don, I know she was proud of the work you did with driver training. May you cherish all memories (both good and bad). She will be watching you and be the brightest star in the sky. - Posted by: Rena Corbett ( Cochrane) (Friend) on: Mar 04, 2015
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Sending strength your way at this time. I remember your mother from the days of sorority and her involvement and attendance at the various events. Preserve the memories - they last forever. Sharon Rubel - Posted by: Sharon Rubel (friend of Catherine and George) on: Mar 04, 2015

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