Joan Hochbaum

Eleanor Joan Hochbaum

(nee Ward)

On Saturday, January 9, 2016, after 94 long and happy years, our sweet mother passed away at Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie.

Joan was born in the family home at Erinview, Manitoba on May 24, 1921; the second of eight children born to Ed and Nellie Kate Ward.  The family moved to Delta in 1926.  Joan had the privilege of growing up in the peaceful, natural beauty of the Delta Marsh, becoming an expert in the habits and traditions of the birds and animals in her surroundings.  In May 1939, after her 18th birthday she married H. Albert Hochbaum.  She devoted herself to her husband and their family of four children.  Mum loved to tell stories about growing up at Delta, her home life, activities of the small fishing village and Delta Waterfowl Research Station.

She enjoyed skating, bird watching, knitting and quilting.  She knit many sweaters, socks and mitts for all of us and made quilts for her grandchildren whom she adored.  Until age 86, regardless of the weather, she just had to walk her 5 miles every day.  This she accomplished in less than 90 minutes but she would tell you “just a little over an hour”.  Mum kept a neat and beautiful home.  She was efficient and always on time.  She was forced to leave her home and moved into Queens Court during the flood of 2011.  She never adjusted to living in Portage.  She had a passion for music, playing the piano, guitar and singing.  She sang Mocking Bird Hill with Peter the day before she died.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Albert, son George, daughters-in-law Carol and Valerie; sisters baby Sharon, Eileen Edmonds, Beulah Follett, Sheila Cook and brothers Peter and Torry Ward.

Mum will be lovingly remembered by her children Albert of Ashern, MB, Peter of Portage la Prairie, MB and Trudi (Barry) Heal of Brooks, AB; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; brother Russell Ward and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to the staff at Lions Prairie Manor for caring for Mum these past several months.  And a special thanks to our brother Peter for all his care and compassion for Mum.

A celebration if Joan’s life will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at the Portage Fair Board Office at 2:00 pm. A private family graveside service at the Prospect Cemetery will take place at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc, 24 - 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com