HARASYM, Joan
May 2, 1934 - February 17, 2013
On the evening of February 17, 2013, Joan, our beloved Mother and friend was called home, and peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family. Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Mike, daughter Bernadette, mother Katherine Pirot, father Alfred Pirot, brother Jimmy Pirot and sister Patricia Czerski. Joan will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends, her four children Susan (David) Schmidt, Tim (Louann) Harasym, Michael Harasym, and Marina (Jeff) Paarup. Joan is also survived by her eight loving grandchildren, Nicole (Dustin) Tersigni, Steven (Sayaka) Schmidt, Darci, Kaitlyn and Jesse Paarup, Ashley, Daniel, and Jared Gonzalez as well as three adoring great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Mason Tersigni and Gabriella Gonzalez. Joan was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan. At the age of 18 she courageously moved down east and joined the armed forces where she received her formal education as a bookkeeper. On her many visits home, she met the love of her life, Mike and was married on October 27, 1958. In 1966 they moved to Drumheller where Mom and Dad happily raised their family. Mom was extremely active in the Catholic Church where she worked as the parish secretary for nearly 20 years. For many years, Joan was also involved in numerous volunteer activities giving freely of her time and provided compassion to groups such as Victim Services and the inmate tutoring program. Joan had a great love for life. She loved the beauty of the outdoors through many activities such as hiking, camping, cross country skiing and most of all spending time with her loving family at the cabin in Fairmont Hot Springs. She loved to travel and explore new destinations. A proud moment in her life, even after being diagnosed with painful arthritis, was climbing a mountain at age 50. Those who knew her and loved her always admired her fearlessness, devotion to her faith, calmness and her ability to always see the silver lining in everything and everyone. Prayer services will be held at Courtney-Winters Funeral Home on Friday, February 22, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Burke and Father Gilles as co-celebrants. Interment to follow at the Drumheller Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society Alberta & N.W.T. Division, 1301 8 Street S.W., Suite 200, Calgary, AB. T2R 1B7 or The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 - 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB. T2H 0G5. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements.