Obituary of Joan RICHMOND

Joan Monica Richmond of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the age of 82 year. Joan was born on March 18, 1931 in Gravelbourg, SK, to Seymour and Freda (nee Wamesley) Cooper. She was raised on the family farm northeast of Gravelbourg along the Wood River and attended Wavey Creek School and Convent Jesus Mary of Gravelbourg. On April 25, 1950, Joan married Vernon Richmond and they were blessed with 10 children. They resided in the Gravelbourg district. Joan was an avid gardener and kept a large garden to feed her family. When her grandchildren would come visit, Joan would often have them help her weed the garden before they were allowed to go swimming. She taught her grandchildren many things, to cook, sew, play piano and swim. Joan enjoyed learning, and wasn’t afraid to try new things. She took a painting class later in life and discovered that she had quite the inner artist waiting to get out, and also enjoyed writing poetry. Joan enjoyed watching documentaries and recently got her own iPad, where she discovered the world of Google and Facebook. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion, Alzheimer Society of Gravelbourg, the United Church Ladies and a board member for the Gravelbourg Housing Authority. Joan and Grace Bekker had a catering business together for many years. She also volunteered at IPI, was an active 4H Leader and a teacher’s aide in Bateman. Joan loved curling and spent many winters at the Wood River Civic Center. Joan moved from the farm to Gravelbourg on December 1, 2011. Joan cherished her children and grandchildren, and the time she spent with them. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Joan will be remembered by her loving children, Collin (Brenda), Robin (Karen – mother of their children), Byron (Rosemary), Brent (Janine), Sharon (Brent), Marshall (Helene), Charlene (Barry), Kelly (Emmanuelle); 25 grandchildren – 23 surviving, 17 great-grandchildren; brother Sidney (Lee); sister Margaret (Sherman); son-in-law Emile (Sheri-Lyn); and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband Vern (2000); daughters Vicky (1997), Cathline (1966); grandsons Jamie (1997), Shaun (2008); parents Seymour (1957) and Winifred Cooper (nee Walmesley) (1972); sisters Wynn (1998), Kay (1997); brother Fred (2006); brother-in-law Dale (2008); sister-in-law Isabelle (2013). United Church Funeral Service was held on Monday, June 24, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiant. The eulogy was shared by Tammy Richmond. Readers were Steven Richmond and Ashley Nychuk. A poem was read by Deanna Griffin. Musicians were Emmanuelle Morin, Scott Richmond, Angele Richmond and Denis Reesor. Power point presentation by Joel Bouvier and Jason Desnoyers. An honour guard was formed by St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. Honorary pallbearers were Rhonda Richmond and Kimberly Richardson. Active pallbearers were Mick Bouvier, Erin Richmond, Brady Richmond, Devin Richmond, Amanda Richmond, Andrea Richmond, Brett Harvey, Cory Harvy, Justin Nychuk, Breanne Nychuk, Shelby Nychuk, Ryan Chamberlain and Derek Harvey-Zenk. Interment took place at Hillside Cemetery, Gravelbourg, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Joan to St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 and World Vision Canada, 1 World Dr., Toronto, ON L5T 2Y4, were greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.