We Remember
WINTERS, Margaret Joan (nee Patterson)
May 20, 1922 — April 24, 2018
“A constant source of effervescent enthusiasm” McGill Graduates Society Distinguished Service Award.
Born and raised in Hampstead, Quebec, Joan attended Trafalgar School and McGill University. Joan joined in on the war effort as a driver, and also embarked on a modeling career during this time. As the Woodberry Soap Girl, Joan’s life and courtship by the dashing Flight Lieutenant George Winters was chronicled in an ongoing series of Woodberry ads.
Joan and George married in 1943 and during the war were stationed in South Carolina. Back in Montreal in 1947 the first of three children arrived. Settling in the Town of Mount Royal, Joan and George led very active lives with “the old gang” at the center, and an ever expanding number of new friends. In the winter months every day possible was spent on their passion for skiing. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Lac des Iles in the Laurentians. When in the city, Joan spent her days on the operator headset installed by Bell lifer George, organizing numerous committees and events for many causes, among them McGill, Montreal General Hospital and the Redpath Museum. Later in life moves were made to Ottawa, a return to Montreal, on to Toronto and last, at age 90, a move to Kelowna.
On top of volunteer work and socializing Joan was an avid sportswoman, highly active at the golf club, playing tennis, sailing, badminton, water skiing – the classic move being to place her foot in the handle and pass the dock waving both hands, executed into her 80’s. And of course skiing. An admirer, of which there were many, wrote this poem:
A Winters Tale P.R.W March ’62 Mt. Gabriel
“Ski swiftly, sweet lady, down fearsome Scott’s slip, The moguls, which throw me, you ride like a ship, your skis tight together, your springy knees too, your form is so graceful and balance so true. You leap down the hollow, you speed down the slope, I wish I could follow – but oh what a hope! For forty-nine winters I’ve watched skiers flight, But never a Winters that gave such delight”
Joan leaves her three children, Patricia (Soren), Hugh (Rebecca), and Barbara (David); Grandchildren Kegan (Nicki), Holt (Jenn), Chase (Fran), Peter, Kelly (Fraser), Jason and Blythe; Great grandchildren Poppy, Tate, Emmy and Parker.
George predeceased Joan in 1993, days after celebrating their 50th anniversary. Joan happily remarried, first to James Doyle and then to Roderick Ross, both of whom predeceased her. Also predeceased by twin brother Trevor.
Of the Old Gang, George was the first to go, we then lost Joe, Duncan, Patty, Mary, Hugh, and Nat, leaving Jane and Harry to keep on swinging.
The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Orchard Manor for their care and compassion. There will be a celebration of Joan’s life, to be held at the family house at Lac des Iles on a date to be announced.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”
Sending loving thoughts from PG
What a loving tribute! You’ve captured Joan’s joie de vivre beautifully. There are so many memories. She was an integral part of so many people’s lives and will be deeply missed. Ski on, Joan.
This is a lovely obit, so very well constructed. Kudos to you all! And, of course, deep sympathies. Thanks for keeping me in the loop, too. Sending love, Leafy
On behalf of the Palnick Family Rest In Peace .
So sorry to hear of your loss, Hugh. My thoughts go out to you, Rebecca, children and family. Your Mom had a long and fruitful life. I wonder if our generation will ever accomplish as much. Sincerely, Sue.
Saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. She was someone I always looked up to and admired. Her zest for life and sense of adventure were inspiring, I remember her fondly. RIP Joan. Lots of love to the family. Steve
What a wonderful tribute to Joan–what a great lady she was and I feel very privileged to have known her over the years. She was always a vibrant part of the Lake community and from all reports, she carried right on in Kelowna! My sympathy to all of you, and enjoy your wonderful memories.
Heather Calhoun
Our deepest sympathy on your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael and Anne Belvedere
My sympathy to you all on Joan’s passing. That was a beautiful obituary that captured who she was. I have very fond memories of playing tennis with her and others at the McEntyre court for several summers. Best to all the clan.
Pat
Lovely tribute, please accept our condolences. Always kind and engaging with young folks and a wonderful example and one I try to do now as a senior. RIP, What a wonderful world, Joan made it even better.
Dear HUGH and FAMILY,
My sincere thoughts and love to the family. I deeply respect the deep bond the family has and as life moves along may the memory of your wonderful matriarch always be a guiding and loving light in your lives,
George Barron
So many wonderful memories shared at our 60th reunion of McGill !
“Some people have to go where these is class , others bring it with them!”
This expression exemplified Joan !
My concolence to her wonderful family on the loss of a shining star !
To Hugh (and Becky). What a lovely tribute. Although we didn’t know her, your mother sounds like an amazing woman who lived a life full of family, friends and joy. It’s easy to see where your sense of family and style come from. We send you our condolences and love. Pamela And Colin
Deepest sympathies to all the family. The listing is a lovely tribute. She was a grand lady!
Heartfelt condolences from Jane and all the norsworthys, We have many fond memories of all the good times with the gang and their families. Speaking personally I was very lucky to have such caring Godmother.
Our sympathy to Patsy and family. A very appropriate tribute to Joan. I first met Joan after she rescued me (and car) late one night outside her TMR home during a Montreal blizzard. Nothing was too daunting for Joan. We became instant friends.
It was a pleasure to work with Joan (and George) on the McGill Society of Ottawa. She was a woman of boundless energy who made everyone feel welcome. My condolences to the family.
What a great picture. It is exactly how we remember your mom. As I child i was blessed to have experienced those swinging parties with the Nixons, Norsworthys, Duclos, Keefers, and Trenholme familes. An Era has ended. Stay strong it is not easy losing a parent. Our condolences and love to you all.
The Harry Trenholme family
Dear Patsy, Hugh and Babs,
Your mum was so filled with energy….a dynamo!! Our dad couldn’t keep up to her, but he sure enjoyed trying.
His last two and a half years were an adventure because of Joan
Our condolences to you all on the loss of your mum,
Deb, Rob and Meg
Barb, our condolences to you and your family.
My sincere condolences to the family. Your Mother was a wonderful person so interested in others and lived life to the fullest. I remember the story when the family took away her skis, I did suggest to your Mom that she consider renting, if she got the urge to ski one more time. May she rest in peace and forever watch over you all.
Hugh, Joan appears to have spent a rich and fulfilling life and that is all anyone can hope for. My condolences to you and family. Best to Becky.
Paul and Celeste
Amazing lady.. .Such joie de vivre. So exciting in 1968 when I arrived in Canada. Joannie always said she would make 95 years, since Betty did too. What a generation!!
Love to you all,
Sue Clifton (nee Barrett)
To Babs (Dave) What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. I’ll never forget how she and your Dad welcomed me on their weekly ski trips to the Eastern Townships. We had a lot of fun. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Joan’s passing.
I adored Joan from the moment we met. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
My sincere sympathy to Patsy, Babs, and family.
Affectionately,
Inez
What a wonderful tribute. I remember in my younger days feeling so honored to be singled out by Joan to be her friend! An honor and privilege indeed. She has brought enthusiasm and the feeling of inclusiveness to every get together! Kim
I came to know Joan and George when I was slinging drinks at the Royal Ottawa Golf Course during my graduate studies. As part of the McGill Graduates of Ottawa Society, I further collaborated with Joan and a multitude of others on many endeavors. To me, she was a true “grande dame” and it goes without saying the mold from which she was formed is long broken.
Joan was a strong role model for all the kids from the “Old Gang” She had a joie de vivre for her family, friends and humanity. She was my brothers godmother and he just loved her to bits! She got things going and made every event fun and I hear her voice to this day. I read through her life that had been so well written and reflected her life with such love. It’s still hard to believe that they aren’t here with us but she did her duty and job very well as a great friend, mum, grandmother, wife and athlete. She shared her life and loved being with people. She is missed and she remains in our hearts. Continued condolences to Babs, Patsy and the whole Winters family. It is hard to lose a parent!