Joan Edith Anderson

JOAN ANDERSON (nee SHELFONTUK) 1944 - 2013 With the grace and concern for others that she demonstrated throughout her life, Joan Anderson passed away, deeply moved by the care and well wishes from her family and friends. At her side throughout her brief illness were her devoted husband Robert C., her children Robynne and Chris (Kelly), and her adored grandsons Calem and Kieran. Her father Michael, mother Edith Shelfontuk (nee Lindsay), and brothers Bob and Lindsay set the course for celebrating friends and family that Joan followed throughout her life. She had a gift for making profound connections with people and she leaves numerous lives touched by the warmth of her home in Dugald, the generosity of her counsel, and her ever-open arms. Joan believed "to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; that is to succeed" (Emerson). Her passion for others was exhibited in her early teaching career, and her two decades of service at the University of Winnipeg where she headed the University Relations Department. She concluded her career helping her daughter run Issues Ink. Throughout, she mentored a generation of young women, including her nieces and colleagues, who have gone on to great successes in their careers. Part of her legacy is the extraordinary community service she undertook. When her mother lost her own battle with cancer, Joan was inspired to make a difference, ultimately becoming the national vice-president of the Canadian Cancer Society. She led the committees that undertook the fight against tobacco advertising as well as leading-edge prevention campaigns including the use of sun screen. She also co-chaired task forces on women and cancer, as well as prostate cancer. She was a national board member for the PC Party of Canada, the Canadian Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and countless other community groups. Her service was recognized by a Canada Volunteer Award, a Canada 125 medal, an Honorary Life Membership in the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Atchison Award at University of Winnipeg. Recognizing her life's work, support for the Canadian Cancer Society or a donation to the Edith Lindsay Scholarship at the University of Winnipeg (created by Joan in memory of her mother to support women returning to university later in life) are welcomed in lieu of flowers. The family offers profound thanks to Riverview Hospital for her care and will receive condolences on Friday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.