Joan Evelyn Patricia Craig

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom Joan Evelyn Patricia Craig (nee Donaldson)

Mom was born in Winnipeg on June 07,1932 and passed away September 03, 2022, at the age of 90.

Left to cherish her memory are sons Gordon (Susan), Bruce (Debbie) and James, daughters Joanne and Judith, grandchildren Christopher (Natalie), Andrew (Sarah), Tyler, Matthew, Joshua and Lorianne and great-grandchildren, Kieran and Alyssa.

Mom is survived by her sister Dorothy Anderson, sisters-in-law Frances Kapetz and Ruth Hansen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her husband of 64 years Ken, parents Charles and Irene Donaldson, daughter Patricia, sister Kathy Baryla (Burnell), brother Gary Donaldson, son-in-law Brent Boivin, sisters-in-law Blanche Whitmore, Olive Cheetham and brothers-in-law Mike Kapetz, Sidney Burnell, James Anderson, Peter Whitmore, Paul Baryla, Winston Layette, Richard Hansen and sister-in-law Beverly Donaldson.

Mom was born and spent her life in Winnipeg. Growing up in Fort Garry she was educated in the local schools where she met her lifelong friends Primrose Sinema and Margaret Monaghan. At the end of World War 2 Mom had the honor of reciting the poem, In Flanders Field, to the entire student body. In 1950, Mom left high school and began work at the Dominion Envelope company.

In 1953 Mom met the love of her life Ken and they married in 1954. Mom and Dad started their family in 1955 and mom devoted her life to her children. Tragically Mom and Dad lost their first child, Patricia Lynne Craig in 1959. Showing their strength Mom and dad went on to have 5 more children. Mom was always there for us, for all of our bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes, making sure we were always safe and staying out of trouble. She always made sure that each of us felt special with our own birthday dinner out to the place of our choice. Her smiling face was always there to greet us along with a hot lunch when we came home from school. She was always there to lift to our spirits and let us know that everything would be okay.

Mom was member of the Windsor Park United Church and loved being a member of the choir for many years. Her strong faith never waivered and always carried her through. Mom was a kind and gentle spirit, never raising her voice and always putting everyone else’s needs before hers. She was a wonderful listener and touchstone to us all, giving us advice and offering solutions anytime we needed.

Mom’s deep love of family is reflected in the many beautiful knitted blankets, scarves, hats and mitts that she created for each and every one of us. Mom could always be seen sitting in her chair knitting while catching the latest episode of “Y and R” or Coronation Street.

Mom loved large gatherings on special occasions with all of the family there. She spent many hours in the kitchen making our favorite meals and baking all of our special treats. Mom was a master baker and was especially famous for her Christmas cake and shortbread. Mom cherished all of her Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren always having special treats for them whenever they visited.

Our family will never be the same without our Mom, Gram, Momma, Mumsie, mother Joan.

Mom is safe in the arms of Jesus and we know she is waiting for us in heaven.

Funeral service will be held on Monday September 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway with viewing at 09:30 and reception to follow. Interment thereafter at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue.

Flowers are respectfully declined; donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba and the Winnipeg Humane Society.