This is still very much a shock to me, and somehow in my mind I cant believe this has happened. It was only a couple of days before she passed that we chatted online about her friends son and how sad that circumstance was, and how hard it is to lose someone you love. Joanne was someone I never chatted to that often, but when I sent the email or text, she was always there. She had a large sense of humor, a bluntness that we love and laughed at together, and such a love of her family that shone in every story she told. I remember as a little girl Joanne and I spent time together in Shefferville, I was always amazed at Joanne's french speaking skills! Joanne , Paul and Ken would be conversing in french, while Aunt Jane and Uncle Les were smiling not understanding a word! ahaha. When Joanne came to Grand Bank as a teenager, I always thought she was so much cooler than me, that one year age difference made me think she has so much more life experience, and she was allowed to go to the hang out while I had to go home. As we grew into adults and become moms, our conversations changed to how our children were doing, and these family conversations included Judy, and were grew closer as cousins by living farther apart. We were kept informed of skating competitions, and watched a few online, we heard about the concerts, and the curling, and many phone calls were from an area where she was either working or watching Alyson. I will miss those random moments, I will miss the sense of family I had when we chatted, I will miss what should have been and as much as I feel robbed, I am sure her family feels that even more. If I have learned anything these last several years of my life, is that there are no words anyone can say, nothing anyone can do that can help with grief. Grief is its own process that needs time, and lots of it. Some days will be good, some will be horrible. Time helps us tell stories without tears, and it does get a little easier with lots of time. So please take care of yourselves, know we have been thinking of you all. I wish we were closer and that things were different. Sending all our love to you!

Thoughts are with the family at this time ,Joanne was special in so many ways

So sorry for your loss, Jeff, Allyson and Mrs. Howell, my heart goes out to on the loss of Joanne. Please accept my condolences!!! Hi and John where avid curling buddies on Facebook watching the games on tv and commenting to each other!! Xoxoxo Love,, John and Norma Cove and Family

So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. My deepest condolences to Jeff, Allyson, Jane, Paul, Ken and all other members of her family. Joanne and I were both born in Schefferville, QC and were also in the same class throughout our school lives at Knob Lake School. Although I haven't seen her since we all left Schefferville and went our separate ways, I still remember her quite well.

So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. I meet Joanne back in 1990 when she was my supervisor at Zellers. She took me under her wing and taught me how to be a good employee and a good leader. I will miss her posts on FB and my heart goes out to her family. Judy Dickson

My heart goes out to Allyson and her family. Joanna was an important member of the Grande Prairies community and will be greatly missed. I have nothing but fond memories of her at the Coca-Cola centre. She knew everyone. I also remember meeting her and Allyson at the Nicki Minaj concert in Edmonton a few years ago. Joanne was so fun and made it clear how young at heart she was! I'm wishing her family much strength as they go through this difficult time.

So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing , she will always be in our heart , Aunt Mary, Judy and Kate