Joan Irene Mills

Obituary

With heavy hearts and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Joan Irene Mills (nee Coxon), age 76, surrounded by family at her home in Steinbach, Manitoba on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Roger, and their two daughters Rachel (Jamie) and Lorraine (Kassidy), grandchildren Blake, Kailee, Cate, Zachary and Amalie, brother John (Jacky), sister-in-law Judith, brother-in-law David and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Geoffrey and Irene Coxon, brother Alan, sister-in-law Diana and niece Liz.

Joan was born on 27 June 1949 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England. She received her education at the local primary school where she passed exams to attend the Girls’ High School in Burton. From there, she gained her Certificate of Education at Shenstone College, Bromsgrove and then began her lengthy and fulfilling teaching career including owning a nursery school.

Joan was involved in many organizations throughout her life, creating lifelong friendships along the way. She was raised in the Methodist Church. As a teenager she became very involved with the Young Farmers Clubs. This is where she met Roger, a local dairy farmer. They married in August 1971 and continued their involvement with Young Farmers including both taking terms as County Chairperson.

Joan and Roger had two daughters together and Joan loved being a Mum. Their young family lived on the family farm in Anslow. Joan was the wife of a farmer but continued with her teaching career and other interests. In 1994 Joan and Roger and the girls took the big step of moving to a dairy farm south of Steinbach, Manitoba. There, Joan became a farmer’s wife, working in the barn and on the machinery. She made many new friends in this new life including through the various farm groups, the Steinbach Garden Club, the Grunthal Bergthaler Church and the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach.

Joan was an avid reader, knitter and gardener and in 2007, she became a grandmother for the first time. She loved being Grandma to her five grandchildren!

Joan’s strong, quiet faith helped her throughout her life, including in her health struggles over the last number of years. The family would like to thank all the health care workers who provided care and support especially over the last 18 months.

Joan was a wonderful wife, Mum and Grandma. We are so thankful for her life.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.