Joan Elmgren, age 85 years, of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and formerly of Simmie, Saskatchewan district passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at the Eastend Wolf Willow Health Centre.
Joan came to Canada as a War Bride from her home in Crawley, Sussex, England. She met and married her husband Quintin while he was stationed in Crawley with the Canadian Forces. They were married at St. Francis Church in Crawley on March 30, 1946. Quintin then returned home to Canada to begin farming, Joan followed in August of the same year. Having never lived on a farm, Joan had a lot to learn. She said she wasn’t even a very good cook since during the war 1Ž4 cup of butter and 1Ž2 cup of sugar was the family’s allowance for the week. It made it almost impossible to bake but there were always lots of vegetables in the garden. It was quite a challenge for her, but she loved life on the farm and her many friends in the Simmie area. In 1967 Quintin and Joan decided to retire from farming, building a new house in Shaunavon. There, they looked after the ice and the concession at the Jubilee Arena and later built and operated the Covered Wagon Trailer Court. Quintin and Joan were instrumental in the development of the original “Houston House” for mentally challenged persons. In 1976 they built another house in Shaunavon. After only one year in their new home Quintin passed away. Joan’s love of flowers and gardening kept her busy while continuing to reside in the couple’s home until prior to her passing. She was a long time member of the Catholic Women’s League and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of several clubs during her early days in Simmie.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Quintin, daughter Kitty-Ann, great granddaughter Cori-Jo, father and mother Mable and Walter Chipperfield, two brothers Brian and Joe, sister Peggy Weeks, brothers-in-law Bruce Elmgren and George Weeks.
Joan is survived by her children Virginia-Rae (Irwin) Wells of Lethbridge, Alberta, Sylvia (Frank) Wilkinson of Coalhurst, Alberta, Michael (Char) Elmgren of Shaunavon, Rose (Murray) Anderegg of Coalhurst, Alberta and Kent Elmgren of Shaunavon; sister-in-law Lilly Elmgren, brother-in-law Rodney (Dorothy) Elmgren as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, nieces and nephews.
Joan was a loving, sweet and special lady whose first thought was always for her family and friends. She always found happiness in everything in life. Her home, her family and her friends were her most important things.
Funeral Services were held from Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Shaunavon on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Father John Mock officiating. Interment took place at Veteran’s Memorial Gardens at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Shaunavon. Binkley’s Funeral Service (www.Binkleys.com) was in charge of the arrangements.