Obituary of Joan Ramsay

Joan Margaret Ramsay June 26, 1935 - July 28, 2011 With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of an extremely loved wife, mom, grandma and friend. Joan is survived by her devoted husband, John, her four children Molly Bellanger and partner Doug Valliere (children Danae and Drew), Heather and Robert McNinch (children Mark, Roderick and Dana, Whitney), Joni Ramsay (daughters Sydney and Shaye), Sandy and Marla (daughters Leanne, Jessie, Abigail) and her brother-in-law Don Irwin and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Andrew and Janet Ferguson and her sister-in-law Marie Irwin. The Memorial service was conducted from the Good Shepherd United Anglican Church in Turtleford on August 3, 2011 with Pastor Linda Emberley officiating. Eulogy was given by Sandy Ramsay. Memories of Grandma by Sydney Hewitt. Slideshow Presentation by Sandy Ramsay. Hymns sung were Abide with Me, Amazing Grace, Softly and Tenderly accompanied by the United Church choir and organist Bev Meikle. The pallbearers were Grandsons: Mark McNinch, Roddy McNinch, Drew Bellanger; Nephews: Don and Sandy Irwin, and Glen MacDonald. The honorary pallbearers were Marvin and Gail Wouters, Cora McNinch, Marion McNinch, Lucy and Gary Dopson, Ruth and Tom Richardson. The interment followed at the Turtleford Cemetery. Eulogy Joan Margaret Ferguson was born in Lamont, Alberta on June 26, 1935, the only child of Andrew and Janet Ferguson. Her father was a farmer, her mother a nurse. She grew up half a mile from Marwayne. In Grade 9 she won the Governor General's medal for academic excellence. She was an accomplished pianist and a conservatory certified piano teacher. She took her Grade 12 in Kitscoty and then attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout her life, the United Church played a large role, especially during her youth when she sang in the choir and played the organ for church. In 1957, she married John Ramsay and moved to Prince Albert. She started her nursing career with the Victorian Order of Nurses and John bought grain for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. From there they moved to Paddockwood. During this time three daughters were born. They lived in Birch Hills for a couple of years then returned to P.A. where Joan resumed her VON nursing and their son was born. In 1967, they purchased the Imperial Oil bulk agency in Turtleford. In Turtleford Joan worked at the Riverside Memorial Union Hospital, first part-time and then, for several years, as director of Nursing. She was the type of Director who would work Christmas Eve herself so someone else wouldn't have to. Several of the staff that cared for mom during her stay in the nursing home were hired by her and remember her as a caring and compassionate nurse, who spent as much time as possible with her patients. Joan served as President of the figure skating club while her girls skated. She acted as coroner for a short period. Joan was a one woman welcoming committee often inviting new neighbours, doctor's wives and of course her lifelong friends for "coffee". She was famous for her crabapple pies and brownies. She had the most enormous Christmas card list and was a master of the lost art of letter writing. Over the past few days, people have reminded us repeatedly of what a kind, caring, selfless, sweet and gentle person she was. But, as much as she touched others outside our family, nothing could compare, of course, to her love for and devotion to her children and her husband. She was my Dad's wife, partner and best friend for 54 years. Our parents were completely devoted to each other. Their lives blended so seamlessly it is hard to imagine where one started and the other ended. They were always together. I rarely heard them quarrel. They enjoyed many trips to Hawaii with their good friends. Marvin and Gail Wouters. Later, they began to drive down into the southern states to escape our winters, looking for good deals on hotels, a little gambling, shopping for the grandkids but mostly sunshine and togetherness. They enjoyed long relaxing hours in their beautiful yard and at their cabin at Brightsand Lake. Her love for her children may have seemed without equal, but that was before her grandchildren came along. She was a totally indulgent Grandma. Each grandchild was precious and adored. Each owned their own spot in Grandma's heart. Children always came first in her house - everything else could wait. There is a quote that says "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child". My mother lived that quote. She was our ray of sunshine. When her blue eyes lit up and that smile spread...the warmth and love soaked right through you. Imagine feeling that every time you walked in a room. She never complained - she was very accepting of the curves life threw her. She loved music. On the night she passed away she stayed up late listening to live old time music. She thoroughly enjoyed herself. Then she went to sleep and peacefully slipped away just as she had always lived her life...with quiet dignity. Card of Thanks The family of the late Joan Ramsay wish to express sincere appreciation for the messages of sympathy, phone calls, visits, food, flowers and donations. We would like to thank those who have been such a blessing over the past few years. Special friends who have visited faithfully - Cora, Marion, Lucy and Ruth; caregivers - Diane, Shirley and Angie and home care providers, especially Tammy. Thank you to our wonderful neighbours for helping us maintain their house and yard in town and at Brightsand - Dean, Terry and Joseph Brown, Jim and Sharon Drewlo, Dennis and Margaret Rookes. Thank you to Pastor Linda Emberley for the touching service, to Bev Meikle the organist, to the United Church choir as well as the AUCW for providing the lunch. A special thanks to all the caring staff at the Riverside Health complex for their kindness and care of Mom during her last two years there. For those who wish to do so, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The Ramsay Family