JOAN LOVELACE

July 4, 1940 – October 12, 2025

The family of Joan Lovelace are saddened to announce her passing on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the age of 85.

Joan was born on July 4, 1940 near Hafford, Saskatchewan, the youngest of twelve children. She lived on the Hafford farm until 1945, when the family bought a bigger farm near Borden, Saskatchewan.  She attended Halcyonia School to grade 6 and Borden School from grades 7 to 11, boarding in town for the winter. She recalled traveling to Borden School in a covered sleigh, warmed by a little heater connected to a chimney.

She fondly recalled Christmas on the farm; her mother would cook all 12 dishes on Christmas Eve day and her father would lead them in singing Ukrainian Christmas carols. She moved to Radisson, Saskatchewan, at age 21 upon her parents' retirement. Shortly thereafter, Joan followed in her sisters' footsteps and moved to Winnipeg in 1962.

A devout Catholic, Joan became one of the first Oblates in the Ukrainian rite from 1963 to 1967. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish for over 30 years, followed finally by Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church for over 15 years.

She graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse from St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. She worked as a nurse for several years before starting a family with her husband, John.

Growing up, Joan excelled in sports including track and field, softball, and curling. Joan also enjoyed painting and writing poetry. In her senior years, Joan loved watching sports on TV, especially curling, baseball (go Blue Jays!) and hockey (go Jets!).

Joan is survived by her daughter Rachel (Gary); son Joseph (Rowan) and grandchildren Fallon, Mahela, and Caroni. She is also survived by her brother Bill (Edna); sisters Natalie and Victoria, along with many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents Alex and Polly; brothers Steven, Peter, Nick, Mike, Walter and Paul; sisters Olga and Anne and her children’s father John.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception in the church hall.

Service will be livestreamed.  Click here for the link.