PHYLLIS JOAN LAWSON

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PHYLLIS JOAN LAWSON May 2, 1928 - November 13, 2017 It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joan Lawson on November 13, 2017 at the age of 89 years, with her son Blair and his companion Shelly at her side. Joan is survived by her only son Blair (Shelly) and her sisters Oral Mains and Berith Mackenzie, all of Winnipeg, MB. She was predeceased by her parents Lorne and Edith Dunn of Boissevain, MB, her brother Beverley of Thunder Bay, ON and her soul mate and love of her life Thomas James "Jim" Lawson of Carman, MB. Joan was born on May 2, 1928 in Russell, Manitoba to Lorne and Edith Dunn and was raised in Boissevain, MB. She lived a life full of love, friendship, faith and fun. As a child she enjoyed life in a small town where she began and nurtured many friendships that would last for decades thereafter. She took piano lessons as a child which grew into a love of playing and listening to music for the rest of her life. Since she was the eldest of four children, she seized the opportunity to be the "mother hen" of the family which would last to her passing. Upon graduation from high school she travelled to Winnipeg and obtained her registered nursing degree at the old Victoria Hospital in 1950, after which she accepted a job in Carman, MB. There, she met a young veterinarian named Jim Lawson and the rest is history. Jim and Joan were meant for each other. They quickly fell in love and were married September 15, 1951 and on August 14, 1952 their only child Blair was born. They were happily married for 51 years until the passing of Jim in 2003. Joan said many times that not only did they love each other, they actually liked each other. During their marriage Joan was a loving mother, a devoted wife, a thoughtful and accommodative neighbour, a "vet" nurse / technician who helped run the vet practice and a confidant to many friends and family. She loved to cook ("real" butter, salt and sugar) and loved to entertain. No one ever left the house with an empty stomach. Many parties and good times were held with all sorts of friends and neighbours over the years. Her passion was the game of bridge. Many long days and nights at the lake were filled with hours of bridge, in addition to the regular old Thursday night bridge club with the "girls". Later in life she discovered duplicate bridge which she enjoyed right to the very end of her life. Another very important part of her life was the love she had for her pets. There was always a cat or dog or both in the house at all times. She loved them as unconditionally as they loved her. We always kidded her that her pets replaced her only son when he left for the city. She will be so happy to be reunited with all of them. Joan touched many lives in a positive way during her life journey and people knew her as an honest, perceptive friend who was always willing to lend an ear. She had her opinions, could back them up and would stick to them. Her joy in life was derived simply from being with her husband Jim and being a mother to Blair. They were all she really needed to be happy in life. As mother entered her twilight years she was constantly haunted by various illnesses and health setbacks, but she never lost her zest for life and her sense of humour. She was fortunate to be accepted into the Boyne Lodge in Carman where she received incredibly kind and attentive care by all the staff, nurses and volunteers. Our family wishes to thank everyone at the Lodge for all their support, dedication and friendship during her stay. The family also wishes to thank all the staff at the Carman Hospital for their exceptional and diligent care when her health failed badly at the end, especially Dr. Tyler Atchison. His kind and caring demeanor was very much appreciated. Also, thank you to Doyle's Funeral Home for taking care of the arrangements. Funeral service will be held at the Carman United Church on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Harold Kenyon officiating. Interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Carman. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boyne Lodge Capital Fund, c/o Boyne Valley Hostel Corp., Box 1644, Carman, MB R0G 0J0. Pallbearers will be all of the available nephews and honourary pallbearers will be Gustine and Dennis Wilton, Joyce and Fred VanKoughnet, Pat and Eddie Lewis, Joyce and Jeff Nicolajsen and Ernie Esau. Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2017