Joan Carlson

(nee Crawford)

On March 2, 2015, Joan glided peacefully away from this earth, and into the world of neither pain nor illness.

Joan was predeceased by her parents Joe and Jessie Crawford, and her sister Marion Spencer. She is survived by her loving husband Don, daughter Catherine, son- in- law George Derwin, grandchildren Alexandra, Andrew and Brock Derwin, nieces Jean Woolhouse (Tom) and Beverly Spencer (John Lambert), nephew Crawford Spencer (Sandra), by great nieces and nephews, by great great nieces and nephews, and by Jean and Ken Laundy.

Born in Fort William, Joan received, in Fort William, her public school education and graduated from the Fort William Collegiate. She received her B.A. from United College in Winnipeg. She then worked for a year as an assistant at the St. John’s Library, followed by a year at the University of Toronto, School of Library Science, earning the Degree of Library Science.

Returning to Winnipeg, Joan worked as a reference librarian at the Dafoe Library, University of Manitoba. She then accepted a position as librarian for Manitoba Hydro. There, Joan enjoyed five years, when she was approached to be the first professional librarian for St. Vital Library. Joan took over the children’s books section, and remained at St. Vital Library for twenty six years, until her retirement in 1992. Joan is well remembered for her countless children’s programs, the story hours, her readings to the young public school students and her encouragement and knowledge as to the uses and the “how to” of the library.

Joan has been a wonderful wife and companion to Don and mother to their daughter Catherine. They enjoyed their many travels, the theatre, the symphony and their times through the years at Moose Lake and then at Ruttger’s Birchmont Resort in Bemidji. This past year Joan and Don celebrated their sixty first wedding anniversary. It has been sixty one years of happiness.

Joan enjoyed to the end her family, her many friends, travels and books.

The family wishes to extend to Dr. Marc Elkin, Dr. Patrick Griffin, Dr. Frank Bovell, Dr. Ian Thorlakson, Dr. Heather Adam, and the nurses and staff at the Victoria Hospital its gratitude for their care and compassion during Joan’s time of illness and hospital stays. The family thanks Joan’s great niece Dr. Susan Woolhouse of Toronto, for her guidance and support.

A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

Flowers are gratefully declined

To commemorate Joan’s life, donations may be made to an organization of one’s choice.