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.
