Joan Ainsworth

1935-2012 After a valiant and courageous battle Mrs. Joan Victoria Ainsworth passed away Sunday May 6th 2012 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with her loving family by her side, one day after her 77th birthday. She was born May 5th 1935 to the late Evelyn (Toots) and Victor Zelinski. Joan grew up on John St behind Dease Pool where she met many lifelong friends, and to this day, she cherished each and every friendship she made. She was educated locally and as a young girl worked at Rutledge Stationary. After graduating from Kings Business College she went on to work at Gamble Robinson. Over the course of her life she held positions with Shell Oil, Brayshaw Steel, the Best Western Crossroads and Buset and Partners in the accounting departments. She enjoyed her co-workers and always strived to do her very best. In 1954 she married the love of her life Robert Ainsworth and they shared 52 years together until Bob's passing in 2007. Family was first and foremost in her life and she was very proud of her daughters, sons- in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss her dearly. Travelling with Bob was always a highlight of her life especially when spending quality time visiting with family in British Columbia, Portugal and Hawaii. Joan was a member of St Thomas Anglican Church, being very active over the years with the Sunday school, ACW, evening group and altar guild. For many years she was the secretary treasurer for the ladies auxiliary of the Ortona Legion. Mom loved to entertain family and friends in her home. She did this with such enthusiasm until her recent illness curtailed some of the things she enjoyed most. She was always looking for that special card or gift to pick up for someone for an occasion or to just brighten their day. She was happiest when giving to others. Joan is survived by daughters Roberta (Charlie) Cuzzocrea, Lori (Don) Kivi, Cheryl (Miguel) Rodrigues, granddaughters Lisa ( Jason) Cumby, Melanie Glaeser (Gary Pardiac), Shawna and Melinda Rodrigues, great grandchildren Justin and Jaelin Cumby, brother Ed (Jan) Zelinski, sister-in-law Rose Zelinski, brother-in-law / sister-in-law Gerald and Doreen Ainsworth as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by loving husband Bob, parents Evelyn (Toots) and Victor Zelinski, parents-in-law Frank and Betty Ainsworth, stepfather Leonard Wilkinson, brother Earl Zelinski and numerous other relatives. Memorial services for the late Joan Ainsworth will be held on Saturday May 12th 2012 at 11:00 am in St Thomas Anglican Church, corner of Edward and Amelia Streets, with Reverend Doug McClure officiating. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. If family and friends desire donations to St Thomas' Building Fund or charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. ALWAYS LOVED - FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS On line condolences at: www.jenkens-funeral.ca"