Noreen A. Junson

Noreen A. Junson passed away peacefully at the Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Born in Melita, MB on November 18, 1924, Noreen will be lovingly remembered by son John (Pauline); daughter Janeen (Regan); grandsons Tyler (Lindsay) and Scott (Alicia), and great-grandchildren Madison, Ruby, Hadley, Casey, and one on the way any day now.

She was predeceased by her best friend and truly, the love of her life, Jack (John) coincidentlly on Valentine’s Day February 14th, 2019.

Her love of the prairies was cultivated growing up on the farm in Melita, MB. She would often tell stories of wandering through the fields finding arrowheads, picking wildflowers, and listening to the wind rustling through the trees. She was deeply connected with her home province as was evident through her passionate support of the local arts community. Noreen and Jack were season ticket holders of the RWB and MTC as well as attending opera performances, Folk festival, Fringe festival, WAG and Ballet in the Park. Noreen attended most of the Steve Bell Concerts always making sure she had a front row seat so no one would block her view. They rarely missed a Folklorama pavilion, and never missed a family picnic in Kildonan Park before celebrating their anniversary by attending the Rainbow Stage performance. Noreen loved exploring, camping, hiking and canoeing around the lakes of Manitoba and they were still going on canoe trips well into their 80s.

Noreen was a life-long teacher in many capacities. After attending Normal School in Winnipeg where she met many dear friends, she began her teaching career at one-room schools (grades 1-12) including Bernice, Brown’s and Elva in the 40s. She was very proud of orchestrating the many Christmas concerts and field days at the schools she taught at. Noreen’s passion for teaching continued as a substitute teacher in St. James in the 60s and 70s, where she even taught Janeen and her friends in grade 3. She was remembered as a passionate and kind teacher by her many students over the years. Her teaching extended to helping her grandsons Tyler and Scott practice and play the keyboard, while also helping with homework every Thursday followed by dinner at Applebee’s. The church community at Sturgeon Creek United Church since 1963 was also a major part of her life, where she taught Sunday School, Explorers and was the Superintendent of the Primary Sunday School for many years.

Noreen was very proud of her grandsons, cheering them on as their biggest fan attheir hockey, baseball and football games, even in the freezing cold at the stadium in November.

Noreen and Jack belonged to the Westview Dance Club for over 40 years. Dancing was their favourite passion where they made many lifelong friends. A group of these friends known as “The Seagull Club” travelled to San Diego, followed by a party in the summer at one of their cottages at Lake Winnipeg.
Their other passion was travelling with friends to numerous destinations around the world. As a young child, Noreen’s dream was to travel to the South Pacific. Her dream was finally realized when they went on a fabulous tour of Australia, New Zealand, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Noreen lived a long and wonderful life, putting family first, and always making people feel special at Christmas and birthdays by searching for that special ornament and cake top for everyone every year. She was soft spoken and had a gentle demeanour but would catch us off guard with her dry sense of humour at times. Noreen was a very caring person who donated to numerous charities and was always the advocate for the underdog. A message from a cousin says “Your mother was always an inspiration to me. Especially, her handwriting and style. She reminded me of Katharine Hepburn!” She became a favourite with her caregivers in later years who said how sweet and pleasant she was.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers at Sturgeon Creek 1 Retirement Residence and the caregivers at Riverview Health Centre for their compassion and kindness for our mother.

A private family service and interment was held in her home town of Melita, Manitoba.

Irish Blessing
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”

Arrangements in care of NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE, WPG. 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

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