Joan Margaret Beznoski (Nee Visca)

Born January 21, 1934

Passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Joan Beznoski. Joan leaves to mourn her son Jamie (Heather); her grandchildren Jason (Becky), Jody, Benjamin and Samantha; her great-grandchildren Jack, Piper and Finn; her son-in-law John; her brother Lorne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband George in 2011, her daughter Debbie in 2021, her father Joseph in 1983, her mother Alice in 1986, her brother Jack in 2002, her brother Warren (best known as Chubby) in 2004, her sister Marion in 1971, and her brother-in-law Frank in 1995.

Joan was a woman of fierce love and conviction who led a full life as her family’s matriarch and a citizen devoted to her community. The fourth of five children of Joseph and Alice Visca, she was raised on their family’s homestead on Milner Ridge. Alongside her sister Marion and brothers Jack, Chubby and Lorne, she helped on the homestead and was educated in a nearby one-room schoolhouse.

George was Joan’s husband of 41 years and truly the love of her life. Together, they worked hand-in-hand to build their life in Lac du Bonnet, where Joan lived most of her adult years. She worked as a clerk at MacLeods hardware store, Robinson’s store and Deals for Dollars. She was also the superintendent at Bonny Vista Lodge for Manitoba Housing.

Joan devoted much of her life to volunteer work, with a passion for serving veterans, seniors and youth. She was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #164 for over 25 years, serving as secretary and on numerous committees. She was a member of the Laker’s Water Ski Club and was especially active in fundraising, serving on the executive as secretary and president. She also played a large part in the Concerned Citizens group – whose purpose was to build accommodations for the elderly – serving on the board as secretary-treasurer, vice-president and president. She was also a member of the Youth Justice Committee in Lac du Bonnet, and was instrumental in the building of the Park Manor facility.

While she took pride in her community activism, Joan’s greatest joy was her family. Joan and George’s children, Debbie and Jamie, were the centre of their lives. As time went on, Joan delighted in the arrival of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and young nieces and nephews. She loved each young member of the family and always had time to read a book or colour a picture with them. Joan will be dearly missed at family gatherings, as she was happiest surrounded by her family, presiding over Christmas dinners or family reunions at Milner.

Joan’s pastimes included adding to her famous owl collection and solving jigsaw puzzles. She loved a good game of cards with friends and was an avid hostess for the many guests she always hosted in her home.

Joan’s final years were marked by tragedy as she lost her beloved daughter Debbie in 2021 and was diagnosed with dementia. She moved to The Ironwood in Pinawa in early 2023. Joan resided there for her final months, appreciating the kind attention of staff, especially Angie and Melanie, the devoted care of her nieces Torrie and Kim, and regular visits from family – especially her son-in-law John and niece Cheryl. The family would also like to thank Dr. Bruneau and the staff of the Pinawa Hospital for making Joan’s final days comfortable.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, December 4, 2023.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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