It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother and loving wife of the late Vic Arelis. Joan is also predeceased by her brothers, Norman, Mel and Roy Doram. Joan quietly passed away at the St. Michael's Health Care Palliative Care Unit surrounded by family and friends after a bold and courageous battle with cancer. Joan attended school in the Readymade area , and grew up on the farm with six brothers before moving to Lethbridge. Her sense of humor was always present, and anyone who met her definitely shared a laugh. Over the years she had several jobs, but especially enjoyed her time as a hairdresser, and working at Zellers. Family dinners were a very special occasion and Joan had a real flare for cooking that had us all rushing to be first in line, and there was always room for another seat at her dinner table. The friendships Joan made lasted a life time; one friendship was so strong they considered themselves sisters. She bestowed unconditional love to her husband, children, and grandchildren and her devotion to her family was just one of her amazing qualities. She will be truly missed but forever in our hearts. Joan is survived by her son Rick Arelis, daughter Veronica Rowe (Real Huyghe), grandchildren Madison (Reece Broder) and Brody Rowe, Samantha, Vincent and Victoria Arelis, her brothers Ken, Frank and Ray Doram and their families, as well as Al Arelis and family, Aldute, Veronika and Maria in Australia, numerous nephews and nieces, Jan Martin her dearest friend and Mark Rowe who was like a second son. We would like to send special thanks to the staff at St. Michael's Health Centre, Dr. Frick , Dr. Bentke, Frank, Carey, their families, and everyone else for their support at this time. A celebration of life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. In memory of Joan, Donation may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7.
