JOAN CONSTANCE MONTGOMERY

1924 - 2022

MONTGOMERY, JOAN CONSTANCE December 2, 1924 - October 24, 2021 Peacefully, in her own home, on Sunday, October 24, 2021 surrounded physically and virtually by her loving family members and devoted caregivers, our lovely Mom (Joan) began her Heavenly journey to rejoin her loving husband, Bill. Mom slipped through the earthly bonds but left behind almost 97 years of love, laughter, joy, music, memories and of course a myriad of photo albums. She will be truly missed and lovingly remembered by her three children and their spouses, Neil (Norma), Corinne (Laurie), Karen (Doug), her 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was a fun-loving, Afghan crocheter, proud and interactive, child-sitting grandmother to Erin (Darin), Tara (Matt), David and Danielle, Scott and Kristen. Connor and Carson, her great–grandchildren brought youthful exuberance and bliss when they visited and shared pool time, birthday and anniversary celebrations with her and Bill. Joan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 2, 1924 to Agnes and James Alexander. Sister to Wally, Margaret and Vivian (all deceased). Joan attended Immaculate Conception School (where she met Bill, spotting him on his bicycle) and later St. John's Tech. Due to the unexpected death of her father in 1938, Joan started work after Grade X at Eaton's D.A. office where she operated a National Cash Register Bookkeeping Machine and then as a stenographer. She then transitioned to Canadian Pacific Airlines where she worked as a secretary for the Superintendent of Stores and later the Superintendent of Maintenance. Dad would proudly state that mom knew every inch of the 53 books of parts that she was accountable for. Her meticulous typing skills were responsible for our Dad's flawless typed engineering thesis. One mistake equalled a retype (White out or delete did not exist in the 1950s). As a young woman, our athletic Mom was a tap dancer, hurdler, speed skater (black skates of course), skier and cyclist. During WW11 she raced from work to The Knights of Columbus Hut to join her friends Audrey and Irene to dance with the troops (mainly airmen). However, she married a Navy man (Bill) in 1949 at the Immaculate Conception Church. Winnipeg was home to Joan and Bill where they had relatives and life- long friends until 1956 when they moved with their 3 children to Toronto. Joan, together with Bill, ensured that they gave their children strong and stable "roots" through love, family, education, community, Christian values and a joyous fervor for life. Her gifts of courageous conviction, sense of self and independence demonstrated her confidence in us to test our "wings" but also the assurance that both of them were there to support us if necessary. Over the years they kindly did just that when the need presented. Joan continued her active life with gardening, curling, lawn bowling, line dancing, swimming, playing bridge with neighbours and as an E.I.C. member. As a Catholic Women's League member for over 65 years she was engaged and involved. Joan was a dignified, happy, religious, confident lady who loved Bill, her family, neighbours, war time tunes, dance, theatre, travel, St. Anthony, Tricia Romance plates, anything new and exciting but who had a firm hold on the difference between right and wrong. She was not afraid to speak her mind at an injustice. Joan will be forever loved and forever remembered. Our family extends our utmost gratitude and appreciation to her loving, compassionate, supportive and professional caregiving angels, Gizele, Marilou, Mia and Kenneth through David Milman who all valued Mom's quality of life and ensured that she received such tender care, kindnesses and hugs. Mom's caregiving team also included Arlane, Margaret and Shericia, Camilia, Patricia, Morley and Krishanthi, the Lhin team of Rachel, Sonja, Agnes, Alexandra and Neetu, whose skills and expertise enhanced Joan's joy of life and functional independence. Adorned with purple nail polish, Joan rewarded all of your loving care with her beautiful smile, her knowing, dancing eyes and her own words of "Thank you for helping me live". Her supportive "Village' included Dr. Kushner and Mary Ann, Bozena, the Shoppers Team, Dr. Daniel and Theresa, Dr. Rose, Dr. Klein, Dr. Masellis, Tim, Jeff and Dimitri whose valuable contributions extended her cheerful, fulfilled life. We are truly thankful. Thank you also to Val and Marie for your continued friendship, calls and cards. A private Funeral Mass has taken place at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church. If desired, donations can be made in memory of Mrs. Joan Constance Montgomery by going to www. newediukfuneralhome.com (Kipling Chapel) for directions to specific charitable institutions.