Born: Edmonton, Alberta on 29 April 1946

Passed away: Chilliwack, B.C. on 17 February 2016

Aged: 69 years

Funeral Date: 27 February 2016

Service Details

Saturday, February 27th 2 pm
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
46956 Yale Rd.
Chilliwack, B.C.
V2P 2S7


The Story

Joanne was a bright, bubbly girl whose joyful spirit drew friends to her easily. She enjoyed playing with her dolls and trucks, picking flowers, skating, riding her bike and baking with her mom. Her energy seemed boundless. She would often literally jump up and down with excitement. When she loved, she loved with all her heart. She treasured her whole family. She loved her dog so much she would carry him with her everywhere.

As she grew so did her circle of friends. When she was about twelve her grandfather gave her a violin, which she learned to play very well. A few years later she taught herself to play the piano (Greensleeves was one of her favorite songs to play) and added skiing and horseback riding to her long list of outdoor activities.

After graduating from high school, Joanne pioneered in Edmonton and then in Houston, Texas. In late 1968 she moved to Montreal with her sister Penny. While pioneering, she earned a living as a seamstress in the apartment she shared with friend Betty Billey. She was invited to attend the Watchtower Society's French class, and was later asked to teach.

Joanne then served as a special pioneer in Quebec City, where she met Rob: an encounter that changed both of their lives. They were married on May 5, 1973. Two years later they moved to Edmonton to be better able to care for Joanne's Mom. It became home for them for the next 22 years. In 1997, they sold their family business and moved to Chilliwack to look after Rob's aging parents.

Joanne was a wonderful cook and an accomplished seamstress, and the office manager of their family business. Her favorite outdoor activity became going for walks at the end of the day with her husband. But it was her love of her Creator and His Word that shaped her life, her thoughts, and her decisions, and sustained her through her unsuccessful battle with cancer. She believed strongly in the promise of John 5: 28,29 and wanted all of us to share her conviction that she will live again.
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A lunch with friends on Whyte Ave

Kim Kimchup shared a photo.

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Message from Betty: Joanne was a gifted, genuine and loyal friend who became family in our early adult years while, along with Penny, we were roommates. She loved life and took note of the most intricate details, which made every one of her stories most interesting. We would never have found Jet Lag Café or L'As de Falafel in Paris without her wonderful directions. We had wished that one day Rob, Jo, Henry and myself could meet there to spend an afternoon people-watching. She was a faithful sister and we enjoyed her visits back to Edmonton when we could spend time together going on my French Bible studies or finding a new restaurant with something delicious to eat. Oh, we still have so much to experience in the New World!

Rob, Penny and Carlie

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everyone who gathered in Edmonton to listen to Joanne's memorial, which was linked by phone to the house stereo system

Rob, Penny and Carlie shared a photo.

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My favourite memories of Joanne include the Saturday's we would spend in service with the 5 of us (when our boys were younger), having a great lunch at a beautiful restaurant in a beautiful place (on the water in White Rock), humming our favourite TV theme song as we left the book study at Searle's, sharing a glass of wine on their back patio. Joanne will always be remembered for her energy, her kindness, her beautiful smile and care for others. We will miss you Joanne - see you in Paradise!

Wendy Benson

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Joanne always had a warm smile and was a jewel in the congregation.

Sandra Glyngsdal

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Joanne was a lovely, interesting, funny, cheerful and loyal friend. She stayed with me at the hospital when I had a surgery and thought that I might have cancer. I loved how enthusiastic she was when she told her long stories. Sometimes I wondered but was touched at how she made it through life still being a little naive. It was very sweet. I'm going to try and pretend that she is just away on some fun vacation because I can't imagine life without her. I'll be waiting for her in the paradise with a glass of wine, some melted oka cheese on a sourdough baguette and a giant hug.

Sandra Marko

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Rob, Penny and Carlie

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Macy, Molly, Jade, Niobi and Ruby, courtesy of Kim

Rob, Penny and Carlie shared a photo.

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Joanne called them a river of dogs

Kim Kimchup

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Ruby, Molly, Niobi and Macy: they loved Joanne, and she loved them! Courtesy of Kim.

Rob, Penny and Carlie shared a photo.

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Joanne was a spiritual woman, she loved Jehovah, lived up to her dedication determinley. She also had other loves, skiing, skating, rollerblading, traveling, and accounting. The numbers must add up. She was the sister of my heart. We shared recipies, fabric, friends, kids and dogs. Roband Joanne became a part of our family and always will be. We will again be made whole when Jehovah's promise of resurrection is realized in the new system. To Joanne this will be just a moment away.

Kim Kimchup

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