Obituary of WILLMENT – Joan

February 8, 1928 – November 28, 2009 It is with great love, respect and remembrance the Willment family is saddened by the passing of Joan Willment in the Rosedale Hospice, Calgary, AB. Joan was the loving wife of Irving and daughter Jo-Anne of Calgary, and son Steven and grandson Chance Willment of Prince George, BC. Born in St. Thomas, ON to Helen Florence and Ernest Victor Cooper, and sister to Gerald, her parents emigrated from England after WW1 to settle in a rural community followed by a move to Toronto and later to the Town of Mount Royal, QC. Joan was employed with the Montreal Gazette and developed lifelong friendships that continue today. Married in 1952, she spent her early family years in Pointe Claire, QC, later moving to Belleville, ON. Returning to work in midlife, she re-entered the workforce, much to the chagrin of some, to work at Sears where she became known as one of the “Group of Five” involved in social activities with some very hilarious outcomes. The network of friendships grew as Joan and Irv moved to Scarborough and Waterloo, ON, followed by a move to Calgary to be closer to her family. Joan’s integrity, honesty and respect for others are gifts which serve as her continuing legacies for those who mourn her passing. Perhaps Joan’s greatest gift was her lifelong talent for playing the piano “by ear”, enjoyed throughout her years. Following a series of small concerts given to friends, she was subsequently awarded a Calgary Arts Foundation Grant in 2006 to perform a series of meditative piano selections. These were recorded on the CD “Reflections” by Joan Willment and were distributed to several Calgary hospices with financial support from this Foundation. In June 2008, Joan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and chose to discontinue treatment. The superb care received from the palliative homecare team led her to the loving staff and friends at Rosedale Hospice in Calgary. Joan felt end-of-life decision making should remain with her in consultation with staff and family. Although very ill, she remained outside of hospital with supportive care from palliative and hospice care teams. The Willment family wishes to extend gratitude and respect to the community palliative care team, and to those who cared for Joan at Rosedale Hospice. We extend deep appreciation to Dr. Fong for listening and acting with such care to Joan and family. A Celebration of Life will honour Joan Willment at Knox United Church (506 – 4th Street SW), on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Rosedale Hospice, 920 – 7A Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3J3. Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195. In living memory of Joan Willment, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.