Joan Sylvia Skatch

JOAN SYLVIA SKATCH

(NEE TIBBLE)

October 18, 1926 – December 29, 2020

Joan Skatch passed away peacefully December 29, 2020 at the Minnedosa District Hospital at the age of 94 years.

Joan was born October 18, 1926 at Etobicoke, Ontario parents Rosina Edith and Walter John Tibble.

When Joan was a toddler her parents decided to go back to England to be closer to family. Joan along with her brother Peter attended school and grew up on Hayling Island, England. She told stories of riding her bicycle all around and of adventures along the sea front with Peter and her cousins. She loved the sea, whenever she got the opportunity to sit and watch the water she was at peace. Joan helped her parents with the market garden they owned and operated.

Joan’s life turned upside down during her teens, World War II hit Hayling Island. Air raids, bombs been dropped in the garden, hiding in bomb shelters became part of life.

During the war Joan was a Ranger part of the Girl Guide Movement. It was Christmas and the group invited the Canadian service men stationed on Hayling Island to an evening of dancing and lunch. Romances blossomed. After the war ended a Canadian soldier returned to Canada to be discharged then returned to England to marry his sweetheart.

Joan married Steven Skatch on October 26, 1946.

They moved to Canada March 1948.

Joan adjusted to a new life in Canada, learning to cook on a wood stove, no running water, bathing in a wooden tub, no flush toilets as in England. Her new life in Canada had many challenges and new experiences but as partners Joan and Steve worked through them. Joan was bookkeeper for Steve’s construction business. As well she worked from home doing alternations and sewing for two clothing stores in Minnedosa.

Joan was a dedicated mother to her two children Diana and Brian, family was most important to her. She made Santa and Christmas special as the children got gifts and candy that could not be found in Canada, it had to have come from Santa’s workshop in the North Pole, with help from special elves in the UK. After all of her experiences Canada was home, she loved the wide open spaces, the friendly people.

Joan’s faith was a great strength she enjoyed attending St. Mark’s Anglican church with the English style service she felt safe and at home. She belonged to the Church’s ladies group and was a member of the alter guild. She loved helping and serving through the church.

Joan was a Girl Guide leader for many years. Many have shared their fond memories of how Joan taught & guided them and the fun they had.

Joan along with husband Steve loved their garden large tomatoes will always be remembered. She always grew flowers roses were one of her favourites.

She was Gramma Joan to Guy, Gaylene, Kent, Darren & Trent. She developed a special bond with each of them. She loved their visits and learning about what they were doing. Mitts, hats, scarves, sweaters were knit with love for each of them, she was always making different things for her grandchildren, - Christmas stocking are still been used each Christmas.

Joan loved to see the world through her great grandchildren’s eyes, she would take time and listen to their stories she made them feel truly special. Alysa, Hayden, Dakota, Denika, Lilac, Ryder, Opal, Dainen, Anastasia, Emily, Tanner, Natalie, and Ellis truly got to know and experience their great Gramma Joan’s love.

Joan’s door was always open for a visit and a cup of tea. She enjoyed a good game of cards, as well as her seniors painting classes and was very proud of her art work.

Joan is remember by many for her warm smile, friendly visits, helping hand and been a gentle lady. She will be truly missed.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 65 years Steve, her parents, Rose & Jack Tibble.

Joan is lovingly remember by her brother Peter (Sheila) Tibble; children daughter Diana (Daune) Johnson, son Brian (Pat) Skatch; grandchildren Guy (Lisa) Burton, Gaylene (Kyle) Elliot, Kent (Jodi) Burton, Darren Skatch, Trent (Sharla) Skatch; great grandchildren Alysa , Hayden, Denika, Dakota, Lilac, Ryder, Opal, Dainen, Anastasia, Emily, Natalie, Tanner, Ellis, numerous nieces and nephews and many cousins in England.

Due to the restriction imposed by Covid 19 a private family graveside service was held January 4, 2021 with Father Chad McCharles officiating.

If friends or family wish donations in Joan’s memory maybe made to St. Marks Anglican Church or The Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

White’s Funeral Home – Minnedosa in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca

Special Thank you to Father Chad McCharles and Nathan White of White’s Funeral Home, your support during this difficult time was very much appreciated.

When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind." ……

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