1943 – 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Kolbauer at St. Boniface Hospital on Tuesday, July 14 at the age of 83, surrounded by family.
She is survived by her children Laura Lynn (Peter), Jason (Tracey), Kristi, and her precious grandchildren Zoe, Pierce, Ryann, Emma, and Logan. She is also survived by her brothers Lyn and Jack Giles and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald and her parents, John and Elizabeth Giles. Joan will be missed by her many friends whom she loved liked sisters.
Born during World War II, Joan did not meet her father until his return from the war in 1945. After residing in west end Winnipeg, her family moved to Elmwood where two years later, Joan began school at King George V. She was just three years of age when she first met her life-long friend Dorothy. They always joked that they knew each other longer than anybody!
When her family moved to St. Boniface in 1949 Joan attended Marion School until the fall of 1952, when they moved again, this time to Stonewall. The small-town community introduced her to Brownies, Girl Guides and CGIT. She attended Sunday School on a regular basis at the Church of Ascension. In 1960 she graduated from Stonewall Collegiate.
She worked for almost a year at Eaton’s before pursuing a business education at MTI. Her next job was as a stenographer at Hughes Owens from 1962-1964. In August 1964 she began working at Goodyear Tire before and after Laura Lynn was born. She met Ron in 1971 and married in 1973. After welcoming Jason and Kristi, she worked part-time at The Bay, Kildonan Place before returning to work full time at Goodyear once again in 1985. Retirement came in 2002 and she was to learn that she had never been busier.
One of the greatest joys of her life was being a grandmother. She treasured every opportunity to babysit her grandchildren, creating a lifetime of meaningful memories through everyday moments and special outings like going to the park or the children’s museum. They loved when she made their favourite chicken and fries. She took immense pride in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and being a constant source of encouragement and affection. The time they shared together was precious to her, and the love she gave so freely will remain a lasting part of their lives and her legacy.
During her retirement, Joan devoted countless hours to volunteering. She gave her time to River East Personal Care Home, KidsFest, Sherwood School, and International Hope. She also served as a board member and treasurer of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, where she was actively involved in the See Me Beautiful and Baby Love programs. Known affectionately as “Gramma Joan,” she formed many lasting friendships with the children and their families.
As well as volunteering she also loved to spend time playing cards with friends, travelling, baking, gardening and spending quiet evenings watching her favorite true crime shows and British television series.
We wish to express our thanks to the staff in Harmony Court at Riverwood Square and at St. Boniface Hospital who looked after our Mom with great care.
Cremation has taken place. A Service to Celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, at 7:00 pm at the E.J. Coutu Funeral Chapel 680 Archibald street.
Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joan’s memorial page using the comment field below.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family! Joan was a great lady, always smiling and had a nice thing to say! Heaven definitely gained another angel ! Rest easy Joan and may you be at peace!
Donna Hodgson
In memory of a great lady who touched so many lives with her integrity, her kindness, and her gentle spirit. She was the kind of person you were always happy to see.
Joan was a wonderful person and a good friend. She will be greatly missed.
I am so grateful to have known this wonderful woman as a friend. We send our most sincere condolences to all of your family, Joan. Enjoy heaven, we hear that next to spending time with family, it’s the best place ever.
Love Chris and Dave
A kind gentle soul. Heart of gold. Blessed to have known her. Tremendous loss for her family and friends.
Are there volunteer opportunities in heaven? Joan has already signed up. She was a special and loving mom, gramma and wife. She was loved to the moon and back. Much love to her family.
Joan was one of the first people our family met through MDSS. She was always so kind and engaging. Whenever we saw her she would always ask for an update on all the things our son was doing. She was positive, encouraging, and was an absolute joy to be around. She will be missed. We send heartfelt condolences to Joan’s family.
Rod & I send our heartfelt condolences to the Kolbauer family. Being best friends with her daughter Laura, I had the privilege of knowing Joan since was a young girl. I have many fond memories growing up from sleepovers to graduation, to our weddings.
Joan was always kind, welcoming, and smiling. She made everyone feel at ease, and I will always remember her with fondness. Rest in peace Joanđź©·
It was my privilege to meet Joan when she joined my United Church congregation. She was filled with grace; an abundance of generosity as she became involved in congregational projects and outreach to the community. Joan’s smile and enthusiasm made her an instant friend to older seniors like my 95 year old mother. She was the face of God for those around her.
My sincere condolenses to Joan’s family. Joan and I met at our first office job, an introduction to the corporate world. We remained friends for 64 years. We enjoyed visiting with each other & families even though I moved to the west coast. We were there for the highs & lows of our lives. Friends come and go but Joan was “special in every way” . I will and do miss her.
My sincere condolences. Cousin Joan was truly gracious lady. She was a light. Her humour and kindness will be missed.