Obituary of Josephine Marie (Joan) Dixon

DIXON: Joan Dixon (Robleski) passed away, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, December 08, 2011. Joan was born and raised in Toronto. She and Paul Robleski moved to Brandon with their young family of Jo-Ann, Danny and Mike in 1960. Joan was very active in her community. Her passion for hockey was the beginning of many life long friendships. In the 1960's, she was the first woman hockey coach in the Community Club Hockey. She seldom missed a Wheat King game and followed her "boys" to several Memorial Cup Championships. She was proud to honor her father in establishing the Art Marshall Memorial Trophy for the outstanding graduating player. Joan was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #3. She spent her summers at the Legion International Peace Garden Athletic Camp in many different capacities. Joan attended the Cardiac Rehab Program at the Brandon YMCA and made many friends. She became a member of the McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church and formed many spiritual based friendships. She also volunteered at the Westman Traditional Christmas Dinner for many years and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Joan volunteered at the Brandon Humane Society where she provided care and eventually adopted her beloved cat, Lacey Louella. This past year had been difficult for Joan as she lost her sister, Alberta, known as "Coolie" and her brother, Brian, as well as several close friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Edna and Art Marshall and husband, Paul Robleski. Joan is survived by her son Marshall and his children, James and Carrie and great granddaughters, Mia, Josie and Ella; daughter Jo-Ann (Garry) and their children Kalynn (Gavin), Bryan, Mike (Carla); son Dan (Donna) and their children Kari (Gary), and great granddaughter Brooklynn, Sarah and great granddaughter, Abigail; son Mike (Beth) and their children Amanda, Nikole (Brett) and Michael; brother Larry and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Joan's Life was held at the McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, on December 13, 2011 with Pastor Darryl McAuley officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Joan may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.