- The Carillon Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JOAN SPEIRS
Born: Dec 13, 1929
Date of Passing: Jun 11, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOAN SPEIRS
Joan Speirs passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital in the early morning of June 11, 2023.
Joan was born the only child of Louella (Colbert) Robertson and Frank Robertson in Winnipeg on December 13, 1929. She was born on Friday the thirteenth and she always believed that was a lucky day. She did, indeed, live a long, rich, and wonderful life. During the depression, Joan’s auntie Gay and uncle Gobie moved in with the family. Being an only child with four doting parents made for one spoiled little girl, according to Joan.
On May 3, 1952, Joan married her high school sweetheart, Douglas Speirs. Apparently, he was quite a catch. They had three daughters, Leslie (Don Slough), Barbara (Jim Thiessen) and Lorraine (Scott Penman).
Joan and Doug enjoyed many travels and adventures. They went to many dairy conventions and several cruises until they visited Jamaica. They fell in love with the island and the people. They travelled to Montego Bay for over 20 years. We have such wonderful memories of our first airplane trip, flying just the three daughters to Jamaica for the first time.
In her youth, Joan was a gorgeous and vivacious woman. She was a social butterfly and the life of the party. We remember her getting all dressed up in long, glamorous gowns to attend parties, Junior League balls and other fancy events. Joan loved to cook and entertain their wide circle of friends. She also really enjoyed her gin martinis.
In April, 1961, Doug and Joan bought their dream cottage on Clearwater Bay, Lake of the Woods. Doug was an outdoorsman, Joan was a city girl. Her only stipulations were, it had to be road access and it had to have indoor plumbing. Doug hit the jackpot and it was a done deal. Lorraine was born in June. Three weeks later, they loaded the two little kids and the baby in the car and Doug dropped us all off at the new cottage without a phone or car. Having to work at the dairy every second weekend, Doug could only come out every second week. Joan loved to tell this story.
The cottage at the lake was truly Joan’s special place. She was surrounded by her whole family, whom she was so proud of. Sitting on the verandah, listening to the loons and reminiscing about her lake days with Doug were among her very favourite things.
Doug died in February of 1985. Joan worked very hard to create a life without him. She was blessed with eight grandchildren whom she adored, Lauren (Morley), Matthew, Brett (Dana), Andrew (Elizabeth), Kristy (Chris), Jill (Justin), Holly (Mike) and Steven. She was a remarkable and well-loved grandma. She was fun, generous, and keenly interested in every aspect of their lives. When each grandchildren turned ten, she took them, in pairs on a “big trip.” There were trips to England, cruises to Alaska, and a trip to Chicago. Joan was delighted to be GG to her ten great-grandchildren.
For many years, Joan took all three of our families with her to Siesta Key, Sarasota for a month. We treasure the wonderful memories we have of this magical place.
Joan was a dedicated volunteer. She often spoke of her many years with the Junior League of Winnipeg. She worked tirelessly as the co-chair of the Cancer Society annual fundraising gala many times. She was active on the Womens’ Guild at St. George’s Anglican Church.
Joan was an avid and sharp card player, just like her dad. She played in many bridge clubs over the years, but her favourite was always playing with Leslie and Don and their family. She did often complain the buy in was awfully steep, unless, of course she won. Joan was a loud and loyal Blue Bomber fan.
Joan was a beautiful and skilled knitter. We all have treasures she knitted for us over the years.
On February 7, 2023 our family was struck by tragedy. We lost our beloved Andrew very suddenly. This loss has left a very big hole in our family and our hearts, one that Joan felt very deeply. In the last few weeks, as Joan’s health began to fail, she drew great comfort in knowing her grandson Andrew and her Douglas would be waiting to greet her.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, Wilton and Grosvenor.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Joan’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to The Canadian Cancer Society or St. George’s Anglican Church Memorial Fund.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 17, 2023
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
-
Dear Speirs family, extending my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your family matriarch. Joan was quite the force in her role in coordinating the annual Daffodil Gala Ball for the Canadian Cancer Society. In those days when she arrived with her committee it was stand back and let them work! Always the gold standard of fundraising events, we're sincerely grateful for her life-long commitment in the fight against all cancer. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute! It's evident that she touched alot of lives along the way and will be dearly missed. Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou Lynda Ruban Canadian Cancer Society (retired) - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (Canadian Cancer Society (retired)) on: Jun 19, 2023
-
I was saddened to hear of Joan's passing. It's been awhile, but I can still picture her sitting in the screen porch at the cabin with a book in her lap. I enjoyed discussing books we had read with her. Her sense of humour was a delight. My deepest condolences to Leslie, Don, Barb, Jim and the rest of her family. Your memories will keep her alive in your heart. - Posted by: Angie Kaufmann (friend) on: Jun 18, 2023
-
Such sad news of dear Joan's passing. While I didn't see her often, I loved our visits, especially on Siesta Key. She would cook me a steak and we would have a great chat. Condolences to the girls and family. - Posted by: Graham Gork (Friend of family) on: Jun 17, 2023
