It is with great sadness that the family of Edith Joan McTavish, aged 83, announces her passing on June 9, 2021 at La Verendrye General Hospital. Joan was born at home in Stratton, Ontario to Leo and Margaret Oster on June 22, 1937. Joan was the eldest of 11 children and this left her with a sense of responsibility of caring for others that she carried throughout her entire life. She was so proud of all her brothers and sisters and spending time with them gave her great joy.
Joan and her twin sister Nora followed in their mother’s nursing footsteps and entered the first class of the School for Certified Nursing Assistants program at LaVerendrye General Hospital and graduated in 1956. While in training she met her future husband Kenneth John McTavish and after graduation they married on August 22, 1956. Together they raised five children in a very busy household.
Joan was a talented seamstress, knitter and baker of cinnamon buns. She loved to watch her boys play hockey and was an avid hockey fan her whole life, especially anything to do with Canadian pride such as World Junior Championships or the Olympics. She also showed her competitive spirit at the bowling alley for many years and was very proud of her trophies. Joan cared deeply for her community and volunteered for many organizations and charities through the years. She was a longtime member of the CWL and Saint Mary’s Church. A proud accomplishment was returning to Fort Frances High School to obtain her grade 12 diploma at the age of 43. She graduated on the same stage as her son Rob.
Joan worked at La Verendrye General Hospital, Fort Frances Clinic and Stedmans. After Ken retired they had many wonderful trips from coast to coast in Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and Peru.
She was predeceased by her parents Leo and Margaret Oster; husband Ken in 2016; brothers Leo and Jim; brother-in-law George Paulenko and sister-in-law Rhonda Locke; in-laws Jack and Leah McTavish; brothers and sister-in-law Don and Shannon McTavish, Jim McTavish, Bob Gosselin, Ed McTavish, Harold Atkins, Bob Richardson; and great-granddaughter Athena Blue Denham.
Joan is survived by her children John (Janet) McTavish, James McTavish, Bruce (Irene) McTavish, Rob (Bechy) McTavish and Nancy (Jerry) Donaldson. Her pride and joy are six wonderful grandchildren Katherine (Steve) McTavish, Spencer (Marina) McTavish, Mallory (Bob) Donaldson, Ian McTavish, Emily (Alex) Donaldson and Benjamin (Jessica) McTavish. She is also survived by her twin Nora Paulenko, Madeline (Pat) McColman, Dorothy (Werner) Doebele, Eileen (Ed) Sobkowich, Kathy (Tony) Pankuch, John (Norma) Oster, Brian Oster, Lawrence (Kathy) Oster and sister-in-law Diane Senger; in-laws Flora Richardson, Anne Atkins, Allan (Lorraine) McTavish, Evelyn (Fred) Hyatt, Pat Gosselin, Stella (Don) Nicholas, Bob (Karen) McTavish, Ron (Charlene) McTavish, Doug (Patti) McTavish; sisters-in-law Betty McTavish and Gail McTavish; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services and a celebration of Joan’s life will be held at Saint Mary’s Church at a later date. Joan faced many health challenges in later years but met each one head on, with faith and without complaint. She is an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Donations in Joan’s name can be made to Riverside Foundation for Health Care, Tbaytel Tamarack House or a charity of your choosing.
“After my death I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth.”
~ St. Therese
