Stories about Jo Anne
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Roberta
I only met Jo Anne a few times but always felt welcome. I will forever be grateful to Jo Anne for helping me figure out how to tat. This needle craft is complicated to learn alone and Jo Anne took time to patiently teach me this skill.
Sue McIntyre
When we were little, Mom would take us on the bus to Stanley Park, almost every Saturday. Each of us was allowed to invite one friend, so it was 6 kids and Mom out for the day on a wonderful adventure.
We visited the zoo that was there at the time, and stopped at every playground in the park. We always ended up at Lumberman's Arch, eating sandwiches that Mom packed for us all, and splashing in the ocean and turning over rocks to find crabs. Sometimes we would visit the aquarium or ride on the miniature railway.
Mom would give each of us 50 cents for a treat at the park concession. We felt like royalty. I still love visiting Stanley Park, and I think of Mom, every time I am there.
Mary Kate Joensen
Jo Anne and I met through our husbands. For years we were casual acquaintances, meeting at chamber music concerts or hiking group get-togethers. After my cancer surgery she became my “Reach for Recovery” lady; came to visit carrying a bag of prostheses. We talked of recovery and laughed about the extra large prosthesis she called her “football”. She was empathetic and practical with a ‘let’s get on with it’ approach to recovery. I am sad to think I’ll never hear her laugh again, but smile remembering a lady who knew how to be a true friend.
Jo Anne, we miss you.
affectionately, Mary Kate Joensen
Linda Spence
As a member of The Greater Vancouver Spinners and Weavers Guild I had the privilege to know Jo Anne quite well. I was able to spend many hours in David and Jo Anne s home, dyeing, spinning and eating. She was always so sharing with her vast knowledge.
I was also able to do some out of town trips with her, she was a delightful travel companion We are all more enriched by having known Jo Anne.
Bonny Williams
Helmi & Fred Braches
We met Jo Anne and David through their daughter Susan. For many years, we saw each other regularly at the concerts of the Friends of Chamber Music. Jo Anne and I would often have a chat, either before the doors opened or during the intermission, often about what we were just reading.
As the years went by and physical movement was getting more difficult for her, I was amazed and greatly impressed by Jo-Anne’s determination to carry on. Once, in the middle of winter, she and Sue came out to Whonnock for lunch. With ice and snow on the ground, conditions could hardly have been worse, but Jo Anne, with her iron will, conquered the nine steps into our house and the four of us shared a lovely few hours of food, conversation and companionship.
Jo Anne will always be in our hearts.
Kimbalito
Jo Anne helped change my faulty perception that mother-in-laws can be difficult to deal with. She was always so welcoming to me and respectful of my opinions no matter how outlandish. I definitely admire her adventurous spirit exemplified by an excursion on the Kettle River a few years back.
One hot summer day Jo Anne, my kids and I floated in an inflatable boat from Kettle River Campground all the way into Rock Creek. . In spite of some difficulty embarking we managed to spend a couple of enjoyable hours admiring the river and its beautiful surroundings, while keeping well "hydrated". At the end of the voyage we managed to disembark despite a tippy boat and a somewhat tipsy Joanne by the ingenious method (probably JoAnne's idea) of deflating the boat near the shore of the Kettle River where a bemused David awaited with his Subaru to transport his sweetheart back to the campground in a much more civilized manner.
I will always remember and admire Jo Anne's fun-loving and adventurous spirit - may it live and thrive in all of us.
Condolences to you and your family during this sad time. May your mother's love surround you now and bring you peace. It is not easy to lose a loved one, especially someone so close. Even though we never met her, we are sure she was an amazing, loving mother and will be greatly missed.
In sympathy, Gary and Bonny Williams.
Simon Eaton
My favourite recent memory of Grandma is the one that happened a few years ago. The Eatons, Ryeburns, and McIntyres had all gone to Peking Restaurant for a meal (as is our tradition). As we were all choosing seats at the table and getting settled in, Grandma pulled out two ladles out of seemingly nowhere. Quite loudly, Grandma asked the whole table “Why am I holding these spoons?” I glanced around the table and caught my sister’s eye, both of us fighting to withhold laughter.
I don’t remember the reason Grandma had those ladles with her, but I do remember the joy of having a big family eating together and sharing a laugh.