Mezei

1943 - 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Joan Emilia Mezei (nee Simon), who was born August 11, 1934 and passed away peacefully at the Bow Island Health Centre with family by her side on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at the age of 76 years. Joan was the beloved wife of John Mezei and cherished mother of five beloved children, Deborah (Darwin) Evans, Leonard (Loreen) Mezei, Gregory (Heather) Mezei, Bruce (Jacqueline) Mezei, and Carlene (Blake) Gutfriend. Joan also leaves to cherish her memory, 11 grandchildren and 5 and 1/2 great-grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth (Bob) Noble; one brother, Louis (Dorothy) Simon; sister-in-law, Margaret (Jim) Gulyas and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Emilia Simon, twin siblings and toddler brother, Andrew Simon. Joan was an avid member of the C.W.L. (Catholic Women’s League) since 1952 (almost 60 years!), contributing hundreds of hours of her time to various events and functions. She was also a loyal and committed member of the Royal Purple, the W.I. (Women’s Institute) and the Lionettes. Joan definitely performed “beyond the call of duty” during seeding and harvesting season, often acting as a 24 hour “hired hand” with such activities as driving farm machinery and moving trucks, picking up necessary equipment parts and delivering nourishing meals to her family of workers. Aside from their farming career of more than 52 years (1959), Joan and John Mezei also participated in numerous leisure activities together, including 25 years as square dancing partners. Joan was an avid gardener, growing many of her own fruits and vegetables, and her incredible cooking and baking skills were legendary amongst family and friends. Many of Joan’s culinary delights will live on through the cherished family recipes that she gladly shared with others, but the taste will never compare to her original homemade creations! Joan and John Mezei would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on September 22, 2011 (1951). Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and mother-in-law, Joan’s memory will continue to thrive in the hearts of her devoted family and friends. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Street East in Bow Island on Thursday starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers as well as on Friday starting one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Vigil Prayers will be recited at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Father Fred Monk officiating. Private Interment will follow later in the day at Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joan’s name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 - 6th Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8.