Thursday, March 20, 2014

Richard Wojcik's Funeral Home - Joan Chase Funeral Arrangements



JOAN SHIRLEY CHASE
(nee LEE)
1944 – 2014


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandma.  Joan is survived by her devoted husband Ron.  She referred to him as her warrior.  She thanked him for rescuing her every day for the past three years of her life.  Their love and support was evident to many and even though recent years have been difficult, they were able to help others with their humour, acceptance and concern.
Left to cherish Joan’s memory are sons Trevor (Stacy), Gregory (Joceline); and daughter Jennifer. She will always be remembered fondly by her three grandsons, Addison, Ashton and Julien; foster granddaughter Arianna. She adored all of them. Joan will also be missed by her sisters Margaret Porter and Barbara Hicks; brothers David Lee (Shirley) and Christopher Lee (Susan); brother-in-law Richard (Pat) and Robert (Barbara); sister-in-law Mary Ann Craig (Bruce); and by many nieces; nephews and friends.
Joan lived her life with a sense of courage and spirit in whatever challenges she faced. She truly admired the accomplishments of others, never dreaming that she could achieve them herself. Joan’s mother taught her a very valuable lesson when she once said, “If you cannot afford it, then learn to make it yourself”. Hence, she started the business “Fast & Fancy” teaching others to duplicate those tiny, edible sandwiches, pastries and Chocolate Artistry. This she demonstrated to her clients through representatives trained by her. She also gave classes through Continuing Education.  Watercolour is a recent accomplishment of Joan’s. Her art is now displayed in many homes across the province. Joan’s painting techniques are practiced by many artists, who complimented Joan by asking her to teach them.
As a firm believer in “paying it forward”, Joan passed on her artistic abilities to those who thought they were incapable of painting with encouragement or simply, ‘a peaceful place to go’. She was not a teacher but an awakener. Joan was always able to find the giftedness in everyone. She shared her love of art at hospitals, a local woman’s shelter,  markets, and at her home either at Otter Falls in the Whiteshell or in the city. She loved taking part in art shows. Her latest showings were through Brush Works and the Manitoba Art Expo. Through many juried art shows she has been recognized with numerous awards such as Best in Show, and First Place in Chosen Medium. 
Joan had a special love for St. Charles Parish, especially for Brian Baril as together they shared endured the same journey. They agreed to leave a prayer book in heaven’s doorjamb when the day came. Joan called the parishioners of St. Charles Parish Charlie’s Angels as they transformed her life and that of her family into many blessings. She referred to St. Charles Parish as her oneness with others, as when they suffered, they all suffered together and when one was honoured they all rejoiced together. 
Joan celebrated her life in the company of her wonderful friends. She was grateful for the good times she spent with them and the support shown during her lengthy illness. One friend, when told Joan was sleeping and too ill for a visit said, “that’s ok, I will just sit and watch her sleep”. Joan appreciated the visitors who came great distances and left the hospital well after visiting hours. When the nurse came to her doorway with a wheelchair, and everyone knew she was over the allowed visitor limit and simply took her down to the cafeteria only to be joined by everyone.
           Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, 320 St. Charles Street. Eulogies will be said at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in St. Charles Parish Cemetery.
Joan was a model patient and accepted her illness with great strength and optimism. She was spoiled by her doctors and nurses. She will never forget joining the Jamaican dancing nurses in order to get her blood oxygen up. A big thank you to Health Sciences Centre, Cancer Care Manitoba and the pharmacists at Ness Avenue Rexall Drugs. Thank you to the Home Care Nursing staff of St. James. Especially to Carla for the bright red pajamas at Christmas time. Also appreciation is extended to Louise Danserseau Joan’s palliative care nurse and friend, for reminding her to cover the petunias.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Joan’s memory, to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
Wojcik’s Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com


Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665

www.wojciksfuneralchapel


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