Joan Virginia Lovequist passed away peacefully on December 31, 2013 at the age of 85 years. Joan was born October 1, 1928 to John and Viola Chendes (nee Everson). She grew up in boarding schools due to her mom's poor health. Viola had been a resident at Souris Valley in Weyburn, and died in 1972. Joan received her teacher's certificate and met Helmer Lovequist while teaching his younger brother in SE Saskatchewan. He asked her to go for a horse ride and she agreed. They married at his home and had no children of their own. Joan taught in Carnduff and later in Weyburn. Helmer always drove her to and from school. She was a very good teacher, and loved the kids. Joan also worked as a waitress at EL Rancho and often recalled how her tiny arms made it difficult to serve others, but she loved people. Finally she also worked at the Weyburn SAAN store. Joan found the Lord in her later years, and was a great inspiration to all she met. She was feisty and would tell it like it is. She had a big heart and was a very generous person. She believed in the power of prayer and was on the prayer chain, calling others to pray for those in need. She also had a passion for names and if you met her, chances are you had a personal write-up of the Biblical meaning of your name attached with some "pass on cards" or a cute sticker. Although Joan was only a resident at Tatagwa for a short time, she was familiar with the staff and programs as she faithfully visited her husband, Helmer, when he resided there. Joan would always visit Helmer for supper and she'd talk with him, watch movies and attend many of the organized functions the activities ladies had planned for the residents. Although Helmer wasn't able to communicate due to Alzheimer's she was always with him and would take him faithfully for walks and attend many social activities. She was always grateful for the good care Helmer received while living at Tatagwa. Joan had many special friends she called her spiritual family. Her fridge was loaded with pictures of the families she cared for. She loved to be in touch with all our lives and even in her final days, she would rather talk about her spiritual kids than herself. Her family at the Weyburn Free Methodist Church will greatly miss Joan. A funeral service was held on Monday, January 6, 2014 at 11:00 am from Weyburn Free Methodist Church with Pastors Jay Mowchenko and Jody Pfeifer officiating, and Pastor James Brackpool conducting the interment. Pallbearers were Kevin Cornish, Alex Fitzpatrick, Perry Gryde, Jay Hopfe, Taka Iida and Randy Pfeifer. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Donations in memory of Joan may be made to Weyburn Free Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
