MCWILLIAMS
Mrs. Joanne
1934 - 2009
Joanne McWilliams passed away serenely at home with her loving family at her side on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the age of seventy-four years. Joanne was born in Bonnyville, Alberta on October 17, 1934 and at an early age moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with her parents. There she grew up and met her husband Vaughn and on June 20, 1955, they were wed. In the years that followed, they began raising their family. In 1970, they relocated to Black Diamond, Alberta, then later settled in Stettler in 1973. Joanne worked at the A&W for over thirty years where she patiently encouraged the younger generation she encountered. Joanne will be remembered best for her zest for life and her never-ending support and love of her children. She always loved a challenging crossword puzzle or playing board games with her family. She took up playing computer games at the age of 70. She had a fascination with airplanes and with the mountains. She always brought a sense of wonderment and excitement to life and inspired a deep sense of appreciation of the smallest joyful moments. She adored camping and being in the great outdoors. Making homemade pies while out camping was not unheard of for her. She excelled at organization and always had a list for everything. Even at the end, she wanted to make sure that everything on her list had been fulfilled. Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 55 years Vaughn McWilliams of Stettler and their children Suzanne (Brian) Cunningham of Calgary, Steven McWilliams of Edmonton, Robert McWilliams of Edmonton and Lisa(Michael) Fuger of Jakarata. Her cherished grandchildren Chris, Melissa and Sarah Cunningham, Caroline (Ryan) Simoneau, Tyler (Kim) Fuger and Joshua Fuger. She is also survived by her treasured great-grandchildren Brooklyn Hennel and Jersey Simoneau, her mother Gilberte Marceau, her sister Vivian Savage both of Moose Jaw, numerous nieces, nephews and many very dear friends. A funeral Mass was held at the Christ-King Catholic Church on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Arlan Parenteau as celebrant. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Joanne, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO. 403.742.3315. Condolences may be e-mailed to: brennenf@telusplanet.net