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JOAN KATHLEEN BORTON Obituary pic

JOAN KATHLEEN BORTON

Born: Jun 02, 1951

Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2019

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JOAN KATHLEEN BORTON On March 18, 2019, at the age of 67, Joan left us. Although it was way too early, she marked her years on this earth. Joan was a lifelong champion of the underdog and believer in social justice. Her gift to us was her friendship. She never asked it of us but her unspoken wish would be for us to follow her example in practicing humanity. Joan's story began in Winnipeg on June 2, 1951, a sister for big brother Dave. Proud parents were Fred and Kathleen Borton. Joan's mother passed when she was very young and Evelyn, her stepmother, was the mother she knew. Joan lost her father when she was 20 years old and she missed him all these years. Evelyn lived a long life - Joan and her mom were very close and she loved her mother dearly. She grew up in East Kildonan and was very proud of this. Her childhood and adolescence were full of happy memories - swimming and waterskiing at Big Whiteshell, Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT), the Beatles to sing along to, and Burton Cummings of the Guess Who to swoon over. She graduated from Miles MacDonnell Collegiate in 1969. Joan chose nursing as a career and in 1971, with cap and pin from Misericordia General Hospital, she entered the work force as a registered nurse. Joan would later go back to school obtaining her Baccalaureate in Nursing from the University of Manitoba. Her early nursing positions took her to Norway House and Vancouver, but most of Joan's career was dedicated to Children's Hospital where she worked until she retired in 2005. Joan cared for children on the Isolation and Surgical Wards, Intensive Care and Post Anesthetic Care Units, Children's Clinic and in Cardiology. Joan was a hardworking and compassionate nurse who will be best remembered for her patient and family advocacy. At five feet Joan was small but mighty. While working as the surgical nurse clinician in Cardiology Joan was the voice for families navigating the frightening journey of their child's heart surgery. This was a life changing chapter in Joan's life in which she gave of herself to secure the best outcomes for the children. Joan volunteered all her life, and this was her second career after retiring. All ages loved Joan in all her volunteer endeavours, to name just a few there was CGIT, Breakfast Program at Elmwood Elementary, Pan Am and Canada Games, and Immanuel United Church. She was deeply saddened when illness forced her to stop volunteering after 11 years for English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Winnipeg School Division. Joan was a philanthropist. She preferred to support the smaller charities and those that fed and sheltered the marginalised in Winnipeg. Joan never stopped making new friends and nurturing the ones she had. It never ceased to amaze just how many friends she had. But if you were a friend you understood why, Joan was sincere, genuine, and honest. She looked right into your eyes when she spoke to you, she listened first, talked later, and she had your back. Joan loved and enjoyed spending time with her family in Winnipeg, MacGregor, MB and in BC. Joan lived with depression and was a spokesperson for recognising the equal importance of mental health to that of physical wellbeing. Her life was full, she was hometown proud and loved walking - especially in Kildonan Park. She enjoyed the lakes and beaches, Grand Beach being her favourite. There was theatre, symphony, collecting antiques, and tropical holidays, too many to count. We will smile when we remember how she disliked shopping and cooking was done because it was a necessity. Joan couldn't be happier when M and M's eliminated the need to make an appetizer for a party. She leaves behind her brother Dave, sister-in-law Doreen and nephew Brent, and many dear family and friends. She would like to thank her friends for taking care of her during her illness and the staff of 3E Palliative Care Unit at Riverview during her final days. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice may be made. Celebration of Joan's life will take place Saturday, March 30, 11:00 a.m. at Hy's Steak House, One Lombard Ave. Memorial service will take place Monday, April 1, 2:00 p.m. at Immanuel United Church, 755 Golspie St. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • I just had my Christmas card returned...Today..someone kindly wrote “return to sender”..deceased...I was stunned and felt so badly I did not know how sick my dear friend was. We always exchanged Christmas cards. I loved Joanie immensely. A wonderful loyal friend with a big laugh. I live in London, Ontario and wished many times I was closer to her. Blessings, Lynda - Posted by: Lynda (Lake)Finnie (Fellow RN at Children’s Hospital, Winnipeg) on: Aug 27, 2020

  • I first met up with Joan several years ago while I was walking Kildonan Park. She had dropped her glove and I caught up to her to give it to her. We continued to walk together. We exchanged first names and met every Wednesday. After several meetings, she talked about her brother who lived in Langley, BC and Doreen and a Wedding Anniversary Gathering she planned for you in Winnipeg. I asked her "do they have a son, Brent". I then learned her last name was Borton. We were so surprised to learn about who we both were and our connections. She was surprised that you two spent time at our cabin on winter weekends with Tresoors and Duncans. We often were short of breath talking and walking at her quick pace. She and I even walked Elmwood Cemetery and visited our parent's graves. And I met other friends of hers who were also in the nursing field. We spent time together at each others homes, laughing and sharing stories. I am so thankful that our paths of life crossed. She was my very dear friend with empathy and compassion. I am very saddened she has passed away and I deeply miss her. Sincere Sympathy, Judi Jansen - Posted by: Judi Jansen (Friend (I am Marlene Tresoor's Cousin)) on: Apr 08, 2019

  • I was shocked to hear of Joanie's passing, I met Joanie thru my sister Dale Evans, later named Dale Laird. Joanie did always have a great smile and welcoming in her heart. I heard she had been ill but never realized this! We missed the service and only found out today. She is with Dale now laughing and telling stories, RIP. Debra and family - Posted by: Debra Gydé (Friend) on: Apr 02, 2019

  • I had the pleasure of working with Joan, in several of her roles. She was always a strong advocate for her patients. She always had a smile on her face. She was a great mentor to me and I am sure many others! She will be missed and remembered by many. - Posted by: Kim Fraser (Co-Worker) on: Mar 29, 2019

  • I met Joan many yrs back when I began working in P-ICU at Children's..she was kind,helpful and shared her knowledge and expertise willingly. She had a wonderful smile and a great laugh.....was very saddened to hear of her illness...much too young to leave this world...heaven received a beautiful angel when she left us...may you rest in peace Joan - Posted by: Patricia Timms (Co worker) on: Mar 29, 2019

  • So many memories that will forever be in my heart. Your fight is over...fly free and rest in peace Joanie. Lots of love and hugs of comfort to those who had the priviledge to have shared in your life. You are loved and will be missed. - Posted by: Charlotte Kaisaris (Friend) on: Mar 24, 2019

  • Joanie was my mentor when I first started my nursing career at Children’s Hospital in the pediactric intensive care. I learnt so much from her but the thing I respected the most about her was her dedication and loving, caring nature she had for all her patients and their families. - Posted by: Arlene whyte ( Coworker) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • I first met Joan at the Variety Heart Centre when she looked after my son David. I got to know her better while working in PICU, I remember her intelligence, her kindness, her smile and her sense of humour. My condolences to her family. - Posted by: Lucille (Oakes) Canart (Coworker ) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • I knew Joan through the pediatric cardiac inquiry. Her devotion to her work was amazing. I felt blessed to have known. May happy memories of times spent with her bring you comfort and strength. - Posted by: Elaine Bennett (Fellow nurse) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • This had really shocked me, to have not seen Joanie in a number of years. At one point we were best friends living in an apartment on River Avenue. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. After I moved to North Kildonan and had children we kind of lost touch. I’m very grateful that over the years we were able to meet for dinner or coffee a few times but not enough. I always remember Joanie with love. She had a great smile and wonderful sense of humour and loved looking after children. My prayers and condolences to her family and other friends. Like I said, this has shaken me quite a bit. Unfortunately I am in England with my son and his family until July so I will not be able to attend anything but I will be thinking of her and all the wonderful times we had. Much love. Betty Hirniak (Metzler) - Posted by: Betty Hirniak new Metzler (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2019

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