Joan Marie McTavish (Holmberg)

Our beloved mother, Joan Marie McTavish (Holmberg) age 78 passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024 at the Fairview Personal Care Home in Brandon, Manitoba, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Joan was born on August 25, 1945 to Sylvia and Elis Holmberg in Erickson, Manitoba.

In 1964 she married the love of her life, Don McTavish in Erickson and soon moved to Brandon.

 In 1967 she gave birth to twins Karen Joan and Kevin John (who passed away in infancy).  In 1970 her son Mark Geoffrey was born.

Joan’s loving and nurturing personality led her to care for many children throughout the years.  In 1990 she joined the Brandon Regional Health Authority caring for the elderly for over 20 years.

Joan loved gardening and the outdoors.  She was often seen driving down county roads taking photos and strolling down riverbeds collecting treasures.  She was involved in the Blue Bird Society, The Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and of course her birthday group for special occasions.  Some of her passions in life were blue birds, lady bugs, frogs and her extensive Campbell Soup collection.

Joan is predeceased by her former husband Don, son Kevin, brothers: Glen, Dale, Ken, Lorne, Art and her sisters Shirley and Sandra. 

Joan is survived by her daughter Karen and her partner Bob Pattison and their daughter Silkie (Derek Deemter) and their grandchildren Karsten and Dior. Her son Mark and “adopted” grandson Andy Lovett.  She is also survived by her sisters Lavina Granger, Alma Warniski, brothers Ray Holmberg, Leslie (Sandy) Holmberg, and many extended family and friends.

 I’M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free!