Obituary of Joan Maudsley

Joan Gibson was born in the Gardener’s Cottage at Levens Hall, Kendal County, Cumbria, England on November 12, 1913. Joan had two sisters Phyllis and Mary and two brothers Charles and Alexander. Joan married Reg Maudsley on March 30, 1940 and they were blessed with the birth of their son Colin on April 21, 1942. The Maudsley family immigrated to Canada in 1957 to Red Deer. In 1959 they moved to Stettler and opened up Reg’s Bakery. Interesting enough, Joan was the baker as Reg was a butcher by trade! Reg and Joan sold the bakery in 1966 to Floris and Mary Blokland and it became Bloke’s Bakery. Joan continued to work in the bakery until 1978. Reg and Joan enjoyed their retirement camping and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. They were active members in the Anglican Church and both sang in the church choir. Joan was a member of the Anglican Church Women. After Reg’s passing in 1998, Joan moved into Heart Haven where she resided until this past August; she then moved into Heritage House. Joan made several trips back to England on her own and took part in the many activities and trips offered through Heart Haven (even took in some casinos); Joan enjoyed reading, scrabble and playing cards. Joan was predeceased by her son Colin on August 9, 1988, her husband Reg on December 14, 1998. Joan is survived by her sisters in law Renee (Cyril) Harrison and Vera (Keith) Standring in England, brother in law Cecil Holmes in Red Deer as well as numerous nieces and nephews in England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Joan chose to live her life with a “Be Happy” attitude and we all know she did! Two sayings that Joan was fond of, reflected in all aspects of her life: “I will make this day a happy one, for I alone can determine what kind of day it will be!” and “Kindness is the mightiest force in the World.” A memorial service for the late Mrs. Joan Maudsley was held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at St. George’s Anglican Church in Stettler with Reverend Jack Schulze officiating. Moving tributes were given by Joan’s dear friends Winnie Bissett, Jane Shepherd and Linda Shepherd. Pianist Scott Pfeiffer played for the congregational hymns “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace” led by St. George’s Anglican Church Choir. Mrs. Joan Maudsley was laid to rest beside her husband Reg and son Colin in the Lake View Cemetery, Stettler, Alberta. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joan to Heartland Youth Centre, MS Society or a charity of the donor’s choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium Box 1780 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0 who were entrusted with the care and arrangements.