Joan was born and lived her entire life in Winnipeg, working many years as an office assistant for real estate and investment company Oldfield Kirby Gardner. She grew up in the North End before eventually moving to Fort Garry where she lived in her house for more than 50 years. Joan ultimately resided in her home on Somerville Avenue until the age of 86, before moving to the Fort Garry Rotary Villa and a year later to Extendicare Tuxedo Villa.
Joan loved animals and had many dogs and cats throughout her life. For decades, right up until her mid-80s, Joan could be seen walking her dog through the neighborhood multiple times a day. For many years, it was her Husky mix, Bonnie (who lived to be 15 years old); and then, in her 80s, it was her little Maltese Poodle cross, Toy. This was truly an inspiration to her neighbors both young and old. Toy still visited with her regularly right up until just a few days before she passed.
Joan’s youthful spirit was also evident in her love of music and dancing. She enjoyed taking dance lessons and was proud when she won a bronze medal at the Arthur Murray Dance School. She also enjoyed socializing with friends and playing Bingo at the Fort Garry Legion, where she was a member for 45 years.
Joan also loved to travel and regularly visited her sister Lilian and her husband Peter in Surrey, BC. She also took trips to England (where her parents were born), Mount Rushmore and to the Pacific coast.
Joan was a wonderful mother to her son and best friend Robert, whom she sadly lost to cancer in 2002 at the age of 43. She is survived by her sister Lilian (Peter) Kuruliak and nieces and nephews. She is also mourned by her good friends Chantal Beck and Teresa Hajes. Along with her loving son Robert, she was predeceased by her husband Al Gorman, parents Sydney and Ethel Proctor and sisters Patricia Hutcheon, Ethel Dutton and Marjorie Doan.
A memorial service in celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018, at 3:00 P.M. at the Fort Garry Legion, 1125 Pembina Highway.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to D'Arcy's ARC, Winnipeg Pet Rescue or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Cremation has taken place.
