Joan Wilson Goodwill (nee Torrance) was born January 3rd, 1935 on the farm 6 miles south of Griswold where she lived along with her father George Sr., mother Jessie (Durston), older brother John and younger brother George Jr.
At the age of eight years old in 1943, her mother passed away. Joan and her brothers had to take on added chores and responsibilities. Joan, with the help of her younger brother George, became the homemaker. She started her schooling at Hillsdale School and completed her formal education at Griswold, often boarding with aunts and uncles during the winter months. In 1947, the family moved one mile south to the Torrance home farm.
In 1954, Joan met her future husband, John Goodwill, and they married on Nov. 1st, 1955 at the Carter farm near Kenton. They lived in Brandon for nine years where she worked for a brief time until they started a family. Sons, Joe, Dennis, Robert and Donald, were born in Brandon. In April 1964, they moved to the Goodwill home farm, NW of Souris, which she called home for the next 50 years. After moving to the farm, two more children were born, Alan and Laurie. Finally, a girl!
Joan was a very hard working mother, farmer, wife and friend. Her life on the farm was busy feeding, clothing, caring for her family, and teaching them to cook, clean, iron, sew and take care of the garden and chickens. She skillfully guided her six children through school and off into the world, for her efforts she was rewarded with twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
She was an excellent gardener, loved to spend time in her big garden and enjoyed sharing her fresh produce with family and friends. She was involved in community activities including 4-H, palliative care, Ag Society, curling, and Legion Auxiliary. She was also passionate about donating to local projects and just as passionate about it being anonymous.
As her children moved away for work and education, she took on more farm duties including piloting the combine and grain truck. Joan also enjoyed working along with John providing wagon and sleigh rides for community and family events.
After John’s passing in 2007, she continued to live on the farm, and care for the yard and garden until moving to a condo in Souris in 2014. A few years later, with some encouragement, she purchased her first “new” car and then moved into her final and first “new” home where she enjoyed keeping track of the activities at the shops across the street!
Joan worked hard to stay connected with her family traveling across Canada and into the US to attend graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations or just for a visit. She even purchased a motorhome just to be able to take the family on trips. Over the years, she formed many lifelong friendships which she deeply appreciated, enjoying many adventures including traveling to New York City for a girls’ trip.
After a series of surgeries and setbacks, she bravely took control of her destiny and went home from the hospital. She spent her final weeks enjoying life surrounded by family and friends. She passed away peacefully at her home in Souris on August 30th, 2021.
She was predeceased by her husband, John, brother, John, and daughters-in-law, Janice and Cheryl. She is survived by her brother George; sons Joe (Lynn), Dennis, Robert (Shawn), Donald (Beth), and Alan; daughter Laurie (Richard); grandchildren Jessie, Stephanie (Ripley), Chelsea, Ben (Kelsey), Hannah (Alissa), Clifford, Vanessa, Nicolas (Madi), Gloria (Kurtis), David (Stacey), Kevin (Kayla) and Ryan; great-grandchildren Violet, Griffin, Roslyn, Sarah, Ava, Harper and Khaliya and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Joan’s life was held at the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery on Saturday, September 4, 2021. In memory of Joan donations may be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the Souris Agricultural Society Box 1383 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to a charity of your choice.
So sorry for the loss of your Mom and Grandma,she was such a special lady in so many ways.I feel very special to have known her for sixty five years.May she Rest In Peace.
Sincere Condolences to Joan Goodwill’s family.
Joan was a wonderful lady, comical, generous and kind.
R.I.P. Joan.
Hold your memories close to your heart and may you never be too far apart.
Hugs.
Denise Smith-Bosc
We are so sad to hear of Joan’s passing. We had many great visits while she was mom’s neighbour. You all will have your own special memories that will help you through this sad time. We are thinking of all of you! Brock and Deb
As I reflect on all the fantastic memories of Joan that I have the one constant thing is how she loved her family . She was always a great supporter of the Souris fair and volunteer for other organizations. She always had a laugh or smile . I spent many times with this great lady . Each time was full of fun and interesting conversation. How she raised such a beautiful family and lived through the stuff they did is phenomenal. Trust me guys and girls she knew most of what she did and loved you all with the biggest heart and was super proud of each and every one of you . Joe,Dennis , Rob,Don,Allan ,Laurie and all your loved ones to you all the biggest heartfelt condolences on your loss. ❤️ She will be missed .
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our hearts go out to all of you and your families. I have such fond memories your mom and the family.
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. Our thoughts are with you
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing ,our thoughts are with all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you She was a Great person
She was a fantastic lady! One who will be greatly missed by her entire family. Aunt Joan is smiling down on all of us as the Angel she has always been. Our thoughts and prayers to all.
Our sincere condolences to Joan’s Family. She was a wonderful Lady !!
Our thought are with all of you at this difficult time.
Marilyn & Robert Pearce
My sincere condolences , We have lost one of the great ones. She was so kind and beautiful to everyone she met, I feel extremely lucky to have been one of those people.
We were so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with her whenever we met uptown. Our condolences to the family.
Bruce & Cindy Locke
Very sorry to hear of your loss to the goodwill family your mother was a very gracious and humble lady,
and allways had time to visit our condolences Ken and carolyn Rae
Thinking of your family at this sad time. Your mom will be missed by many.
Joanne Nairn
Sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. I got to know Joan when I worked in the hotel. She would come down and have coffee. She was a lovely lady. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Elaine (Kohut) Phillips.
My deepest sympathy to Joan’s family. She will be missed.
Connie Moffatt
Sincere sympathy to the family
John and Dorothy Cross
Please accept our sincere expression of sympathy in the loss of your mom. I always enjoyed and looked forward to meeting up with your mother. I admired her character, her sense of humour and her good honest approach to situations.
She will be sadly missed.
Sincerely, Kathie & Brian Saunderson
So sorry to hear of your families loss.
Sincere Sympathy
Kathy Hainsworth
My deepest sympathy to the family, she will be missed!
Sharing my appreciation for a strong, kind and hardworking woman, and sympathy to your family for your loss.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
Our sincerest thoughts to the Goodwill family on the passing of a special lady. She will be missed by all those that knew her.
Bill & AnnElla Kruk
We send our condolences to you on the loss of Joan. We have fond memories of time spent with her regarding her involvement with 4-H and her regular phone call asking Garry to help with the gate at the Souris Fair as part of her involvement with the Ag Society. It was always a treat to spend time visiting with her. She will be missed. Sincere sympathy from Ruth and Garry and family.
We extend our deepest condolences to Joan’s family on her passing. She will be missed.
Clifford and Joyce Durston
My condolences to the Goodwill and Torrance family.
We grew up across the highway from each other. Our parents farmed together for many years.
RIP Joanne. You where always so kind to my parents
Sylvia simbalist
My sincerest condolences to the Goodwill family!
I had no idea of Joan’s passing until reading this.
My thoughts are with you all, especially Jessie.
Joan will be missed dearly by all those who knew her. She was such a kind and caring person and always took the time for a quick chat when we would bump into each other.