It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Patterson of Melfort, Saskatchewan announce her passing on October 17, 2013 at the age of 88. Joan was born on the family farm February 8, 1925 near Pleasantdale. She grew up enjoying all aspects of farm life.
She started school with her brother, Edward in April 1930 at Windigo School. Her parents thought they would be good company for one another. She finished school after completing Grade 9 when she was 14. Her mother needed help at home. She enjoyed farm life, helping with gardening, flowers and general house work. For entertainment Edward, Nora and Joan attended many community dances around home.
She started her first job in the winter of 1944 in Garrick at the grocery store earning $25 a month. She met Jasper (Jap) at a concert where she “caught his eye”. They dated for several years, Nora and Edward being their chaperones. They were married November 15, 1946. Her sister Nora and Frank Morgans stood up for them.
Joan always wanted to be a mother. They had 5 children. Garry was first born, surprising her how small and skinny he was because he only weighed 5 pounds. Followed by Doug and then she was happy to have her first daughter that she could dress in pink when Valerie was born followed by Greg and Debbie. Family was always very important and they enjoyed camping, fishing, the outdoors, farming, gardening, and spending time with one another. She was a member of The Willowdale Willing Workers for many years. Once their children were raised Joan and Jasper enjoyed many winters in their new fifth wheel in Mesa, Arizona. Vera and Earl Quaroni as well as Muriel and Dinty Patterson often joined them. She enjoyed berry picking, her garden and flowers, quilting and endless card games with her close friends at Diefenbaker.
Joan loved to travel. Some of her vacations included Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, Arizona, California, Las Vegas, Pennsylvania and Minnesota.
Joan loved her grandchildren and they all looked forward to coming to the farm to visit and play many games with her.
Joan is survived by her children, Douglas (Deb), Valerie (Cliff), Greg (Sue), Debbie (Wade), her grandchildren Kevin (Sherri), Kelly (Darcy), Nicole (Cory), Erin (Kevin), Jennifer (Levi), Derek, Travis, Kirk (Kelsey), Stacy and Darcy. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Jordan, Brendan, Megan, Marissa, Jacob, Kord, Rylee and her siblings, Edward, Nora and Jim. Joan was predeceased by her husband Jasper, son Garry and daughter-in-law Belle.

• Date : 2013-10-17 06:00:00