Obituary of JOHANNA RUBAN

JOHANNA (JOAN) RUBAN
(née JAKOBSCHE)

Peacefully, on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at St.  Norbert  Personal  Care  Home (PCH) in Winnipeg, our beloved mother, grandmother  and  great-grand mother entered  into  the  nearer  presence  of God,  surrounded  by  the  family  she cherished so dearly.

Joan  was  the  loving  mother  to  five children, Karl (Sheila), Tony (Françoise), John  (Christine),  Wally  (Lynda),  Julie(Brent), Babi to 14 grandchildren and 18great-grandchildren.  Joan was predeceased by her husband Walter, and two brothers, Frank (Irmgard), and Joseph (Sonja).  Joan was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was born in Sarnowka, Poland on April 14, 1928, and grew up in a pre-Second World War era. During the war, she worked on a farm with her mother and brother near Poznan, Poland. Joan had  fond  memories  of  her  childhood activities  and  learned  to  speak  five languages.  In  1945,  she  was  captured by  the  Russian  army  and  forced  to shovel coal for the railway. Her family's release was negotiated under a patriation agreement in 1947.  She crossed the Atlantic on the Beaverbrae Landing in Halifax.  After arriving in Winnipeg, she worked as a seamstress and nurse's aide.  Coming  home  from church, Joan met her gallant neighbour Walter,  as  he  helped  her  get  over  the Winnipeg  flood  water  sandbags.  They were married in 1952 and soon bought a home at 505 Rosedale Avenue. There, they lovingly raised and educated four sons and a daughter. In her retirement years,  Joan  loved  spending  time  with her  grandchildren,  and  excelled  in sewing,   fitness   classes,   baking, gardening,  bingo,  and  dominos.  Her torte cakes were legendary amongst her family and friends. She was always available whenever anyone needed a helping hand.

The family thanks the staff at Kildonan House and St. Norbert PCH for their kindness and attention over the past years.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 29 at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to either World Vision or St. Norbert PCH.

FROM ANGELS' WINGS TO GOD'S ARMSIN HIS CHARGE WE LEAVE YOU