Obituary of Joan Grace Milligan
Joan Grace Milligan (Wawryk) October 18, 1937 – July 21, 2023
Joan Grace Milligan (Wawryk), a beloved mother, grandmother, and nurse, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 85 years in Regina, SK. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert "Bob" Milligan, her parents Joseph and Stella Wawryk, and her brothers John and Clarence.
Joan is survived by her son Robert (Deb) Milligan of Calgary, AB; daughters Cindy (Christopher) Martin of Ajax, ONT; Colleen (Paul) Bourgeois of St. Paul, AB; Angela (Kent) Collum of Regina, SK; and her 15 cherished grandchildren: Mary Beth, Nicholas, Stephanie, Jack, Alexandria, Johnathan, Liam, Kathleen, Taylor, Isabella, Victoria, Natalia, Katie, Cooper, and Erica. She is also survived by her brothers Leonard, Kenneth (Maureen), and Robert, as well as loving in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joan grew up in Carrot River, SK, a place she loved with a family that she adored. Her happiest times were spent in her youth, playing piano, singing, and spending time with the ones she loved. Fishing with her dad, baking with her mom and being the only daughter and big sister were memories she cherished her whole life.
Joan dedicated her life to the noble profession of nursing, training at the Grey Nun's Hospital. She provided compassionate care to those in need. Much of her career was spent in the Dialysis and Maternity units, where she made lifelong friendships and memories. Her nurturing nature brought comfort to countless individuals throughout her career. She was known for her unwavering dedication and commitment to her patients, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joan was a devoted wife to Bob, who she met and fell in love with while training at the Grey Nun’s Hospital in Regina. Together they had 4 children and 15 grandchildren who she loved beyond measure. She created a home that was filled with music for her family, and instilled in them the values of kindness, compassion, independence, and resilience. Joan's love and support were unwavering, and she took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever.
In retirement she and Bob also travelled across Canada, to the Caribbean and Mexico, all while visiting as many friends and family as they could along the way. When illness made travel difficult, they spent much time with their family in Regina and she enjoyed the time as much as she could with them.
Joan's legacy of love, kindness, and strength will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to have known her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
May Joan rest in eternal peace, knowing that her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Gifts most gratefully declined. Anyone wishing so may make donations, in memoriam, to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1.
