We Remember
HENDERSON, Joanne (nee Roy)
April 19, 2024 — April 19, 2024
Joanne passed away peacefully at the age of 95 after a short illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mae Roy, four brothers – John, Phil, Willie and George. She is survived by her older sister, Evelyn, of Regina, SK. Joanne grew up on the family farm in Lampman, SK, before attending finishing school in Regina. In 1946 she moved to Calgary to work as a secretary at Westinghouse, where she met her husband, Fred Henderson. They were married in November of 1947 and celebrated their fifty-sixth anniversary just before his death in 2003.
Joanne was the matriarch of a large and rambunctious family. She was mother to nine children: Bill (Shawn), Jim, Diana (Carlo), Debbie, Ron, Kathy, David (Jin-me), Harry (Denise) and Anne, who will forever miss the warmth of her love, and are thankful to have had her support and gracious example as long as they did. Extended family included Coreen Henderson, Penny Lyons, and Angela Horrobin. Her thirteen grandchildren: Hanna (Iain), Jen (Mike), Kate (Dustin), Joe, Maddie, Allie, Erica, Karen (Cole), Hanum, Kihan, Fergus, Seamus and Hilary; 4 step grandchildren: Anne, Lori, Aila, and Theo; as well as her 7 great-grandchildren: Isobel, Monet, Violet, Otis, Merrick, Eleanor and Simone, whom will treasure memories of cuddles and sing-songs in the rocking chair, and happy days at the ‘Henderson Hotel’.
She instilled values of discipline and hard work into her children, and was always active, both in and outside the house. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, gardening and was an all-round super homemaker. Joanne and Fred were avid bridge players, and she played with the same group of women for over forty years. Even in casual games of cards or scrabble with her family she could become competitive, but always with a sense of mirth- “you can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” Joanne and Fred played golf for over 30 years and belonged to Gallagher’s Golf Club in Kelowna. She was also active in the Kiwanis Club. Joanne enjoyed the Okanagan Symphony and plays at the Community Theatre and performed in a couple of productions herself. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. In her later years she wrote the stories of her childhood for her grandchildren, illustrating them with her own watercolour paintings.
Joanne also had a very strong faith and was involved with the Catholic Church; first Immaculate Conception, and then St. Charles Garnier Parish. As well, she was a member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) for over 60 years.
Fred and Joanne moved to Kelowna, September 1964. After a lifetime of working in the furniture business, Fred opened Alpine Furniture in 1971 with Joanne as partner. The success of their business was a blessing and enabled them to build a new home in the Mission and travels which took them to Europe, and cruises on the Caribbean. After retirement they enjoyed winters in Florida, Arizona and Hawaii.
Joanne gave so much love to her family and was given so much love and respect in return. She had a great sense of humour and shared so much laughter with the family right to the end of her long life, including throughout her final days. She will be remembered by her family and all who knew her as an elegant, compassionate, and strong woman of tremendous grace.
The family would like to thank the staff at Kelowna General Hospital and Glenmore Lodge for their excellent care for their mother during the last month of her life and acknowledge Penny Lyons for the tremendous care and friendship which she provided Joanne in her later years.
There will be a visitation at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC on Friday, March 8, 2019 from 7:00 -9:00 pm and a Funeral Mass at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 am. We welcome all who would like to celebrate our mother’s life.
In lieu of flowers donations can be provided to a charity of choice. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Visitation
Friday, March 8, 2019 from 7:00 -9:00 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC)
Service
Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 am
Location
St. Charles Garnier Church
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In lieu of flowers donations can be provided to a charity of choice
Service Information
Service Details
The service for HENDERSON, Joanne (nee Roy) is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. Charles Garnier Church
3645 Benvoulin Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Our thoughts are with you. I didn’t know your Mom very well, but her character shines out clearly through you all. Love and peace
I first met Joanne and Fred in Haileybury, Ontario. They had come to visit with Di and Carlo. It was so long ago I can’t even remember the year! Joanne was so beautiful she knocked my socks off. She shared her facial products and how she used them. She also shared stories of making formal dresses from fabric samples from the furniture stores Fred worked in and from Alpine Furniture. She told me about it because she knew I liked to sew. Again, I was wowed! She was so personable and warm hearted. I was jealous of all of you for having such a terrific mother. Di and I played scrabble almost every Friday afternoon and during that game we usually called your mom. Joanne and I always had a nice conversation! One day she called me at home because she wanted to send Di a beautiful flower bouquet when she had worked on her house and had painted her dining area a wonderful deep green. I felt so honoured that Joanne trusted me to pick out just the right thing for Di.
I have always felt blessed to know a few of her children, but especially Di and Debbie. I have met Harry, Kathy and Ron too. Kathy just this past summer. I met Harry in Haileybury and again in Toronto. I think Hannah was there as well! We all had a marvelous meal on Joanne and Fred. I met Ron in Toronto on one of our last train trips. Debbie and I have met several times over the years and she came to my son David’s wedding, in Calgary. At least our friendship outlasted that!
I have read Joanne’s Granny’s stories too! No wonder I felt I knew her. You all have my sincere sympathy in this great loss. Joanne’s wonderful faith was inspiring and we all know where she is now. That will hopefully help all of us. I think we all know she is kneeling at the foot of the throne pleading for us every single day. I am sending much love to all of you.
Alice Ann Ferderber
Dear Diana,
Mary Lynn and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother Joanne. although we did not know your mom Joanne, it is our understanding that she was a friend to so many, and they were honoured by her presence at many gatherings. Joanne touched many people in all walks of life in various ways. Those people will remember Joanne for what she was.
Sicnerely,
Terry & Mary Lynn Talentino
Note: A donation will be made to the North Bay Serenity Hospice on her behalf.
I only met her a couple times but the impression of a classy woman remains clear. Her traits will be seen for generations of Henderson women to come.
Thru my tears I attempt to unveil my heart felt sadness to the Henderson family ….. I met this beautiful family in 1976 ……. a whirl wind romance with Ron led me to meet Joanne and Fred along with all the Henderson clan. Many memeroies of Sunday dinners at the most elegant table served by the inspiring elegant hostess ( mrs Henderson ) to me . After dinner mrs Henderson allowed me to help with the clean up while one of the younger kids tickled the ivory ….. I remember being in awe at mrs Henderson’s grace and her kindness to me …..it has been many many years since I have visited her but I can tell you with certainty that she had a great influence on my life … with me being so young … and her teaching me about faith thru her actions …. I wanted what she had ….. and so my faith grew ….. I have many life changing memories of this family …. I love ❤️ you all … please accept my deepest condolences and may God bless you all thru this difficult time Love Tammy-joy ❤️
Dear Hendersons, I am so sorry to hear of your dear Mama’s passing. My long ago memories remember a lovely elegant woman with a kind and witty soul. Much love to all in your sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with my cousin and their family. Aunt Joanne was truly a remarkable woman and will be greatly missed. Love Judy (Terry) Roberts
It’s with heavy (but warm) heart that I write this message. Despite the sadness of the occasion, Mrs. H/Granny/Joanne had a full and loving life surrounded by a wonderful and loving family. She was one the strongest women that I have ever come across in every way…physically, mentally and spiritually.
The Yoon family has been intwined with the Hendersons for over 40 years. From the moment we met, we joyfully expanded our respective clans.
We will greatly miss, but cherish our times with Granny. She was so loving to all and always welcoming…and her desserts (especially her pies). We will always love you and hold you dear to our hearts.
Rest In Peace and into the warm embrace our Lord.
My Mom was Maureen (Sunstrum) Reaume and she was a dear friend of your Mom. Mom was born in Naicam, Saskatchewan. My Dad is Philip Reaume and every once in awhile he would ask me if I had heard from Joanne. Christmas cards would be exchanged but they stopped some years ago. Just last night I happened to google your Mom as I have done in the past and lo n behold, there was her obituary. My sincere condolences to all of you and my Dad sends his as well. We moved him from Windsor, Ontario into a retirement home in Whitby, Ontario last November shortly after his partner, Pegge, passed away. Dad is now 94. Mom passed away in 1995. My Mom named me after your Mom when I was born on June 24/58. I never had the joy of meeting your Mom but clearly she was a remarkable woman who will be missed. I understand. Our parents spent some time together in Naples, Florida where many a bridge game was played.
I hope I’ve explained myself and now you’ll know that your Mom has been thought about often.
sincerely,
Joanne (Reaume) Lewis
Joanne was a very good friend and I will miss her. I have made a donation in her memory to Indspire Canada. June