JOAN KEELY

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joan Mary Keely (nee Kirwan), at Riverview Health Centre on November 30th, 2022 with her family by her side.

Joan is survived and greatly missed by her loving husband Shane; children, Sharon, Susan (Mark), Brian (Christine), and Siobhán (Derrick); her sister Anita (Jim) in Australia; her grandchildren, Ceiandra, Evinn, Allyssa, Kathleen, Genevieve, and Candace; and numerous nieces and nephews in Ireland. She will also be missed by special friends Marie McCarthy, Pat Mccorriston, and Coronation Street consultant Norma Thomas. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Rose Kirwan and five siblings.

Joan was born December 10, 1943 in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland and grew up as the youngest of six children in the lovely seaside town of Cobh, last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic.

In 1960 she met Shane at the local tennis club dance, fell in love and two years later they married and moved to London, England to begin their lives together. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Vancouver, Canada. In 1969, Shane qualified to practice law in Manitoba. It was back on the road again, this time in an ancient Plymouth with two children, a TV and a couch in tow. On a cold day in January, Joan crossed the Rockies enroute to Winnipeg and her permanent home.

Joan quickly settled into her adopted city which she grew to love, making many loyal and lifetime friends in the process. She adored her children who were paramount in her life and due to her care, example, and guidance, all grew to be successful worthy citizens. Accompanying them to their first days of school, planning major trick or treat adventures, getting Brian to hockey and Susan to court to answer to the heinous crime of cycling while listening to a Walkman are just a few of many fond memories of early days in Fort Garry.

With her sense of style and fashion, her love of socializing and a little chat, Joan was a popular member of the Manitoba Irish Community for over 50 years. She loved the wonderful Christmas parties at the Langan's, Egan's, Mulhern's and with other friends. And loved to host her own parties where her Irish coffee was savoured by all. She also enjoyed dropping into the Irish Club on Erin Street on a Saturday night for a bit of the craic. Sadly, it has all come to an end.

The family would like to thank Dr. Anne Durcan, Dr. James Tam, palliative care coordinator Erin, and palliative nurse Lisa for their kindness, advice, comfort, and care during Joan's illness.

We will miss you Joanie. You were a wonderful mother, a wonderful wife and just a wonderful person. Your likes will never be seen again.

As per her wishes cremation and a private family celebration of Joan's life have taken place.

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Joan’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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