Joan Sipley

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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