Joan Muriel Kristjanson

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joan Muriel Kristjanson (nee McPherson). Joan died peacefully in her sleep on July 14, 2014 at the Riverview Health Centre.

Joan's love and our memories of her are cherished by her children and grandchildren: Linda Kristjanson and Joe Kuypers, Andrew, Julia, and Joe's daughter Laura; Bill and Liz Kristjanson, Shannon and Kevin; Donna Kristjanson, Diana, Megan, and Donna's step‐daughter Shauna; Ellen Kristjanson and Vic Unruh, Amanda, and Vic's children, Matthew, Sara, Philip, and Rachel. She will be dearly missed by her brother, Grant McPherson whose love and steady support was an anchor for her. Joan also leaves her very special sister‐in‐law Lois Kristjanson and niece Helga. Joan has many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who will miss her very much. Joan was pre‐deceased by her parents, Irene and William McPherson, her sister‐in‐law Carol McPherson, son‐in‐law Raymond Wilton, and husband Albert.

Joan was born in Winnipeg to William and Irene McPherson and grew up in Elmwood. She graduated from St. John's Tech and then pursued a career as a secretary. After marrying, Joan moved to the U.S. and lived in Fargo ND, Madison WI, Pullman WA, and Brookings SD. They returned home to Winnipeg in 1959. She dedicated her next years to raising her children and her church work. Later, Joan enjoyed her work as a secretary at the University of Manitoba where she made many friends.

Joan loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally and cherished relationships with family. Whether helping with homework, cooking and baking, playing games, spending summers at the cottage or having conversations, Joan loved every minute with her children. She was treasured for her dry sense of humour and quick wit. Joan had a passionate love of music.

Joan had a strong social conscience and championed the needs of others. Joan was a long time member of Trinity United Church and lived her faith through outreach initiatives. She assisted many refugee families in their move to Canada. Joan thought of the Truong family as an extension of her own and cherished their relationship.

A service celebrating Joan's life will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard on Thursday July 17, 2014 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow.

The family would like to thank the staff on C/D 3 at Riverview Health Centre for their love and attentive care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan's memory to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, PO Box 20009 3310 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 2E5, or a charity of your choice.