JOANN ALEXANDER-SMITH

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JOANN ALEXANDER-SMITH On June 7, 2018 Joann Alexander-Smith (nee Joan Alexander) passed away in Winnipeg. Joan was born to Donald and Vera Alexander on January 17, 1933, in Winnipeg, and grew up in West Kildonan. Joan, like her mother, had a beautiful singing voice. Like her dad, she enjoyed baseball. At the age of 21, Joann left Canada for Chicago, IL, USA and enjoyed everything the city had to offer: arts, entertainment and sports. She was a personal friend of baseball icon Ernie Banks and hardly ever missed a Cub's home game at Wrigley Field. In August 1962, Joann returned to Winnipeg and secured a position at Travelers Insurance Company. On March 10, 1966, Joann married Harry Smith, a celebrated Winnipeg businessman. Joann was by then one of the very few female Insurance Adjusters in Manitoba/Canada. Subsequently, Joann was in partnership with Lela Kornberg both as Principals of the Kensington Dependable Group, a personnel placement agency, in Winnipeg. The highlight of her career came about in 1991, when she became Executive Director of Manitoba Opera. Under her direction, the company explored new territory with a mission to enrich the lives of Manitobans, which included the first ever presentation in Canada of 'Carmen' with the original spoken dialogue. She became involved in planning and executing many professionally produced operas and special events. Perhaps her most significant contribution to opera in Canada has been her support for Canadian singers, making Manitoba Opera a leader in among Canadian opera companies for nurturing Canadian talent. Joann retired from that successful and productive position in July 2001, passing the torch to others that they may carry on her legacy. Up until her passing, Joann volunteered with Age and Opportunity by giving talks and presentations to seniors on operas and history. Her favourite character to speak on was 'Lawrence of Arabia'. She enjoyed reading books and listening to music of all kinds. She would enjoy many pet dogs over the years with equal affection toward each one. Joann was predeceased by her father Donald, her husband Harry, and her mother Vera. Joann was always appreciative of the friendship and love of family and many friends, especially the kindness, love and support of Jean du Toit, Lela Kornberg, and her cousin Richard Hickling. She is now reunited with her beloved dogs at the Rainbow Bridge, perhaps sipping her favourite beverage, a three-olive martini. Cremation has taken place. There will be no formal funeral service. Kind thoughts and warm remembrances of this wonderful lady by those whose life she touched, would be an honourable memorial to her passing. www.voyagefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2018