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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JOAN ANN COCKSHOTT (MATTHEWS)
Born: Nov 10, 1935
Date of Passing: Aug 10, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
JOAN ANN COCKSHOTT
Joan was born in Montreal on November 10, 1935 to Yvette Marie Vallières and Hugh Matthews. Having lost her mother at age 7, her father at age 12, and her paternal grandmother at age 13, she was raised by her paternal grandfather, Henry Matthews. As a young teenager she had to drop out of high school to help support the household.
While visiting her grandfather in a Montreal hospital at the age of 16, she met her future husband, a young McGill University graduate in chemical engineering who hailed from Winnipeg, and whose friend was recovering in the neighbouring bed. Seeing Joan's effervescent personality, Art thought to himself "this is someone I could spend the rest of my life with". He ran downstairs and bought a newspaper for Joan's grandfather and got an introduction.
The couple married in 1954 and lived in Montreal until 1956, when Art's father in Winnipeg asked for help running the business, Welders Supplies Limited, after the passing of Art's mother.
Joan was a fun and exuberant person with a quick wit and an eternally optimistic personality. She immensely enjoyed visits from her children's friends at the house and made everyone feel welcome. It was a full, lively, and happy home. Joan volunteered at their schools in various capacities, sewed costumes, and drove her girls to dancing classes. She drove Grant to early morning basketball practices, Gary as a 14 year old to motorcycle shops for parts and Linda to horse shows, as Linda went on to become an award-winning show jumper. Joan was also an avid tennis player.
When the kids were older, and Joan was in her 40s, she decided to return to school and earn the high school diploma that her childhood couldn't provide. She graduated near the top of her class and an article at the time on adult education appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press with Joan, the Valedictorian, wearing a huge smile at center stage.
Later, she joined Art in running the family businesses, which by then included the medical supply company, Medigas Manitoba Limited. With her excellent people skills and no-nonsense approach, she managed the credit and human resources departments. Her contributions to the companies were significant and lasting. Over the next 15 years, Joan interviewed hundreds of people and hired dozens of staff. While Joan retired in 1993, many of those she hired continue in the companies today, or have recently retired, and she asked often about their careers and wellbeing. The relationships she formed in her professional life were very important to her. She taught many the importance of humility, empathy, and perseverance, having modeled it her entire life. The companies she helped build remain in the hands of its third generation, now called Innovair Group.
Art and Joan happily spent the winters of their retirement years in the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Unstoppable, Joan volunteered for many years as a director on the resort management board, and provided advice and support to other property owners.
Joan enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life and was a loving and supportive wife and mother. While she could be the life of the party, she was also a force to be reckoned with. Her astuteness about people and pragmatic, can-do attitude, made her successful at whatever challenge she set her mind on. Family dinners were lively, filled with debate, and delicious. We are fortunate and grateful to have had her in our lives.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kansara at St. Boniface Hospital, who provided great care and expertise in dealing with Joan's illness, as well as all the staff who helped care for her at St. Boniface and the wonderful team of people from home care. We would also like to thank her family doctors, Dr. Claire Jaeger and Dr. Russ Albak, as well as Dr. Cory Baillie. The kindness and professionalism of those serving in health care must especially be commended during this particularly challenging time.
In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, Joan is survived by Art's brother Harry and his daughter Shirley (Ed Darischuk) and son Robert (husband of Inge, and children, Noam, Robert Jr. and Ella). She is also survived by well-loved cousins and dear friends in Quebec.
Flowers are gratefully declined, however if you wish, we encourage you to donate to the charity most important to you, in her honour.
At Joan's request, she was cremated and no formal service will be held, due to the pandemic.
For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2020
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I recently heard of Joan's passing. Art Grant and Gary. I am saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I have fond memories of Joan and your family. May her memory always console and comfort you. Heartfelt Condolences George Esau - Posted by: George Esau (friend and business associate) on: Nov 27, 2020
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We were fortunate in that we met Art & Joan in St Martin more than 25 years ago and got together twice every winter until Hurricane Irma destroyed the Resort. Joan and Art were always friendly and welcoming adding to the enjoyment of our vacation. Loved being part of Joan's 80th birthday party!! Our love and best wishes Art, Gary & Hilda - Posted by: Gary & Hilda Johnson (friends) on: Aug 23, 2020
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I was one of the kids lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time at the Cockshotts growing up. Joan made it a happy, dynamic household, and she has certainly influenced me as a parent. I have always been awed by her unfailing energy and love of life, her kindness and her generosity. There was often a good sized group of friends at their home, always warmly welcomed, and almost always spending some time kidding around with both Art and Joan. I have so many fond memories of times spent with them and send my love and sincerest condolences to Art, Carol, Gary, Linda and Grant and families. I'm thinking of you all at this difficult time. Karen - Posted by: Karen (family friend) on: Aug 19, 2020
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I was so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She truly was a lovely woman. I am grateful to have had the pleasure of getting to know her. I will never forget her beautiful smile and her gentle nature. Sending love to her family. - Posted by: Samantha Malczewski (Hairstylist) on: Aug 19, 2020
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To Linda, Art, Gary, Carol, Grant and everyone in your family, We're all very sorry that your mom has passed, deeply sorry. For me - and I'm sure for everyone she has met over the years - Joan always will be one of the nicest people and one of the most cheerful. And the thing is, that's always been true of her in every type of situation - truly remarkable. With her energy and zest for life, Joan certainly has made a lot of friends over the years - dear friends and many very pleasant acquaintances as well. This is a very difficult loss for all of us. We wish the best for everyone in your family. With love and respect and our deepest condolences, Michael, Johanna, Mark, Tim, Andrea and our whole family - Posted by: Michael (Family friend) on: Aug 16, 2020
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Art and Family, We are saddened to learn of Joan's passing. We will remember her as a warm, caring person who was so kind to us. And so proud of her family. May the wonderful memories of her sustain you during this difficult time. ❤🌹 - Posted by: Gary and Claudia Lemke (house sitters and home cleaning ) on: Aug 16, 2020
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Please accept our condolences, Grant, to you, your family, your siblings and their families. I have fond memories of your mother, who always had a warm smile and welcome for everyone. - Posted by: Stuart Schwartz (Aquaintance) on: Aug 16, 2020
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I am one of those she hired - and I am still with the company. Joan continued to check in on us after she retired and always remembered the little things when she spoke to us. I will always remember Joan as someone who loved to laugh and live life to the fullest! She had such pride in her children and her grandchildren and spoke of them often. She will be missed. - Posted by: Cathy Mason (Colleague) on: Aug 15, 2020
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My friendship with Joan and Art, and the Cockshott family, goes back over fifty years and seeing this notification today makes me aware of the big loss to Art and the family. It is a sad time for all of us. We all knew Joan as the vibrant enthusiastic motivation for Art and the company, and the whole family, over the years. She will be much missed by all. I am sorry now that as we have all aged we have grown apart and it is a sad day when someone as vibrant, lively, and likeable as Joan leaves us. I remember fondly the Christmas celebrations at the Cockshott home, as well as many business meetings and close personal conversations. You all have my thoughts at this difficult time. Frank - Posted by: Eileen and Frank Sim (Old friend and business associate) on: Aug 15, 2020
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A true "family business" Mom. "Mrs. C" was always so clearly proud of her family in whatever their pursuits. Whether they be legal, equestrian or business she was a stalwart supporter to all. She will be missed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on her passing. - Posted by: James S. Graham (Acquaintance) on: Aug 15, 2020
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An amazing women whose special spirit touched everyone she knew and raised amazing kids that reflect her kind and unique spirit. Love Rich and Faye Ciccotto - Posted by: Faye and Rich Ciccotto (friends of the family) on: Aug 15, 2020
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Such a tribute for the wonderful, warm and vibrant lady I knew her as. Even with years between meeting up, your mom wouldn’t miss a beat and be the most welcoming and inviting person. A very classy, very genuine person. Thanks for sharing her story. Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Roger Burns (Acquaintance ) on: Aug 15, 2020
