Obituary of JOANNE LORRAINE DOWGAN

JOANNE DOWGAN

July 7, 1935 – June 7, 2021

Sadly, Joanne passed away peacefully at Parkview Place care home on June 7, 2021, one month short of her 86th birthday.

Joanne was born July 7, 1935, the first of six children born to Mary (Chonstkewich) and John Galka of Melrose, MB.  Following were Ruth (Ron Twerdochlib), James, Larry (deceased), Marjorie (Wayne Moroz), Ron (Lynn Greer).

Life on the farm was a real learning experience. After finishing Grade X1 at Melrose School, Joanne went to work at the Toronto Dominion Bank in Transcona, MB. She soon met Walter "Dixie" Dowgan. They were married Oct.30, 1954. They bought their home on Whittier Ave. W. in Transcona one year later. Joanne continued working at the bank until starting her family. Son Darrell was born Oct. 6, 1960; daughter Donalene July 11, 1963.

Joanne loved being a stay at home mom, looking after her family with great care. She cooked, sewed, gardened, and preserved fruits and vegetables, all for her family. She never tired of trying new recipes, some of which her siblings still use. She cycled thousands of miles. Once she learned how to swim, there was no stopping her. She went to the pool every day for years. She loved music (Elvis Presley) and dancing. She loved nature. She fed the birds, even the crows (they are hungry too). Joanne and Dixie purchased a cottage in Grand Marais which the family enjoyed for years.

Joanne attended St Joseph The Worker Parish. She belonged to the Catholic Women's League and organized many fundraising events. She was also known as the Avon Lady. Life was full.

Unfortunately, life was to change for Joanne. Her son Darrell passed away April 15, 2004, filling her with grief. Dixie, her husband of almost 60 years, passed away January 27, 2014. Her beautiful daughter Donalene succumbed to cancer January 4, 2017. Joanne was all alone. After 64 years of living in her home with her family, she needed care. She moved to Parkview Place care home July 9, 2019.  She was well cared for and happy there. She loved looking out her sunny window, watching children playing in the park across the street and the pigeons coming and going. 

As well as her siblings, Joanne is survived by one niece and eight nephews and their families (Galka side). Of Dixie's two sisters, surviving is Nilda Bozyk of Vancouver, BC. Deceased, January 23, 2021, is Evelyn Manweiler.

We love you Joanne and will truly miss you.

Joanne's ashes will be laid to rest beside her family in Transcona Cemetery. She will be with her family forever.