Obituary of JOAN SIDNEY KLIPS

JOAN SIDNEY KLIPS November 14, 1933 - December 19, 2019 Joan Sidney Klips (née Andrusiak), beloved sister, wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019, at St. Boniface General Hospital (SBGH), Palliative Care Unit (PCU), after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband of nearly 64 years, Jack; grandparents Peter and Tekla Romance; parents Mike and Mary Andrusiak; mother-in-law Augusta Klips; brothers-in-law Wilfred Klips and Art Elwin; nephew John Elwin; cherished grandson Cameron Connor McLeod, Jr.; and admired son-in-law Blake Delgaty. Survived by her adored children Barbara (Cameron) McLeod, Lauren Delgaty, Keith Klips, Gary (Darlene) Klips, Leslie (Larry) Wishlow and Jacqueline (Michael) Hryciuk; treasured grandchildren Jessica (Scott) Nelson, Michelle Klips, Michael Delgaty, Steven (Laura) Klips, Morgan McLeod, Alexander Wishlow, Sidney and Lucas Hryciuk; precious great-grandsons Scott and Jared Nelson; cherished sister Elaine (Dan) Trochim; sister-in-law Olive Doreen Elwin; nieces and nephews; Edie (Hans) Jud, Christopher Elwin, Carole (Chad) McMillan and Lisa Trochim; great nieces and nephews Jennifer, Brandon, Tyler and Ryan Elwin, and Emily McMillan; and cousins Andrea (Robert) Letkeman, Ron (Liz) Romance and Greg (Marilyn) Romance and their families. Joan was a kind, honest, intelligent woman, and the matriarch of our family. She was born at SBGH and proudly lived her entire life in Transcona. She entered nursing school at age 19 leaving when she met Jack, the “love of her life”. Jack and Joan shared the joys and challenges of life, and a romance all their own. Together, they raised 6 beautiful children and created a lasting legacy of family and love. Ever committed to Jack, Joan lovingly looked after him during his lengthy illness. Mom dedicated her life to our family and enjoyed special relationships with each of us. A trusted confidante, a well-spoken woman and ahead of her time, she was our hero. She was a stay-at-home mom until her mid 40’s, and then worked as a Senior Ward Clerk at SBGH L&D for over 20 years: a career she found much joy in. Mom was an avid reader. She loved learning about new things, people and places. She loved movies, dancing, theatre, opera, celebrations, and a good debate. Her conversations were legendary. She enjoyed many wonderful times at Grand Beach, her ladies club and travels to the West Coast. Although Jack and Joan called the little pink house at 531 Rosseau their home for more than 50 years, Joan enjoyed the last 6 years she lived at St. Michael’s Villa and the friendships and sense of community she found there. Joan’s family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the WRHA Home Care Staff, and especially Lenka, Donna, Pehuyna, Eva, Stella and Vicki for their compassionate care; Winnipeg Paramedics Dory and AJ; and the staff at St. Boniface PCU. A Celebration of Life honouring Joan will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 11:30 a.m., at the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day Street, followed by interment at the Transcona Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in memory of Joan. ~ Forever Loved ~