It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Sipley (nee Oxenforth) at her residence on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 87. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Melvin of 65 years, sister-in-law Joyce Nelson of Winnipeg, and nieces and nephews, Lori Nelson of Winnipeg, Jim Nelson (Audrey) of Penticton, Paul Sipley (Monika) of Calgary and Sydney Lennie (Bruce) of Ottawa. She is predeceased by her daughter, Brenda, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and June Sipley, and brother-in-law George Nelson.
Joan was born in Winnipeg to Jean and John Oxenforth on April 5, 1935. Her father served in the second world war and was lost in action in Sicily in 1945, leaving Joan and her mother to face the world together. Their special bond endured through to Jean’s passing. A memorable event in Joan’s life was a trip to Italy with her mother to pay tribute at her father’s grave site.
Joan attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg and following graduation married the love of her life, Melvin Sipley. Their daughter Brenda was their greatest joy in life. Brenda served as a deputy sheriff in southern California and though she was separated from Joan and Melvin by distance they were frequently together. Joan and Melvin enjoyed many visits with Brenda, either at her home in California, their home in Lac du Bonnet or travelling together as family. Joan worked for several years at Labatt’s in Winnipeg before leaving to work with Melvin in his decorating business. They built their first home in Charleswood where they raised Brenda. During this period, Joan was a keen golfer and active member of Breezy Bend Country Club. Joan loved the water and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the Caddy Lake cottage built by Melvin. They spent many years between Apache Junction, Arizona and their cottate on Lee River, where they ultimately lived full time for several years. Joan spent her final years in Lac du Bonnet where she was active with many organizations, including the Pioneer Club where she played floor curling, the Horticultural Society where she won many awards for her gardening skills, and the Red Hat Society. Joan made an enduring impact on the community. She was a generous supporter of local charities, including the Lions Club, the local arena, food bank, meal programs, the legion and her church. Many hours were also donated in support of these causes, including legion catering, various fund raisers and the group cooking sessions where 25 to 30 women worked together to mass produce home made perogies. Joan amazed people with her incredible memory and ability to recall not just birth dates and anniversaries but even minor details in the lives of others, details that sometimes had been forgotten by the individual. That and her always cheery demeanor was an expression of her genuine interest in and caring for those that she knew.
Cremation has taken place and a small family internment is planned to have her joined with her beloved Brenda. In honour of Joan’s generosity to so many causes, a donation in her name to a charity of your choice is welcomed.
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Susan Kaatz
Deepest condolences. She was a lovely lady, remember her from when I worked at Beausejour Primary care. Always stopped to talk and ask how my daughter was doing. RIP
Jackie Hodge
RIP Joan you will be missed by all that knew you. Mel sorry for your loss
Marlyn Harding
Dear Mel
So sorry to hear dear Joan has passed away.We had so many happy times with you and Joan.Such a loving caring lady.Always welcomed everyone into your home.A great volunteer in the Lac du Bonnet community.She will be missed terribly.May all your wonderful memories you shared together somehow sustain you in your time of sorrow.
To live in the hearts of those you leave behind is to never die and Joan will live on in all our hearts forever.
Love and deepest condolences
Marlyn
Pat Pollock
Dear Mel.
So sorry to hear about Joan’s passing.
Our families go way back when I babysat Brenda.
My thoughts are with you.
Pat Pollock
Yvonne and Harry Miller
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Joan. She was such a lovely person and a lifetime friend to our sister and brother-in-law Arline and Tom Young. We were lucky to get to know Mel and Joan through that connection and you couldn’t help but think of them as your friends as well. Two very special people! Our sympathies to Mel and family and friends.
Melissa, Marty, Holden
Dear Mel and Extended Family,
Our hearts are heavy for the loss of sweet Joan. There is some comfort knowing she is reunited with Brenda, but we will all miss her so much. Mel, we send our love and deepest sympathy from Carlsbad.
Mike Nickerson
Our deepest condolences. Kim and I were just talking about coming out to visit your both.
John & Orysia Jackson
Mel, John and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family . Having spoken with Joan prior to the 27th, (ours was a long conversation and update on your health and hers) we were stunned to hear of her passing. She was such a vibrant, knowledgeable lady and we enjoyed our phone chats, our visits with you both, our shared meetings for meat draws at the legion with friends and those dinners afterwards, visiting with you in Lac du Bonnet and catching up on old times, your travels and activities in the community. She will truly be missed!
Thank-you for sharing her with us. John and Orysia
Cathy Chartier
Our deepest condolences to Mel and family on the passing of Joan. Joan and my mom (Arline Young) were friends back in grade school. Joan was a bridesmaid at my parents wedding and over the years the couples enjoyed many special occasions, celebrations, and made many memories together. Through this life-long friendship we were fortunate enough to get to know how kind, thoughtful and caring Joan was. So very sorry for your loss Mel.
Cathy and Georges Chartier