We Remember

WEISGERBER, Joanne

May 21, 1954 — August 1, 2024

It is with great sadness that we tell you Joanne Weisgerber (nee Ganje) passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Kelowna, BC, surrounded by her family and her beloved dog, Ellie.

She is survived by her children Stephen and Stephanie (Jordan Hamilton); her brothers Darcy (MaryJane) Ganje and David (Cheryl) Ganje; sister-in-law Mona Ganje; brothers and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nephews; and many dear friends.  She was predeceased by her husband, Richard “Dick,” in 2012, her parents, Mike & Bella Ganje, and her brother Les Ganje.

Joanne was born and raised in Estevan, Saskatchewan. After spending a few years working in Regina as a young adult, she returned to Estevan where she met the love of her life, Richard, and raised their two children. Joanne was dedicated to her work and had many fond memories of her 40 some years at Social Services and Adult Probation. She loved work so much that she even returned after she retired. Joanne helped educators in the school systems in both Estevan and West Kelowna on a casual basis.

In the fall of 2022, Joanne sold the family home and moved to West Kelowna to officially retire and be closer to her family. This move put her halfway between her children whom she was very close with. Joanne deeply loved her family and they always remained at the heart of her life.

Joanne was very proud of her yard and garden in Estevan, spending many hours tending to the flower beds. She also loved her dogs very much, first Angel and then Ellie, as they provided great companionship when Richard passed.

Joanne was actively involved in her church community with the CWL, parish council, collection counting, and she especially enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.

Faced with the daunting task of fighting stage 4 cancer, she embraced each day with positivity: “Be prayerful and positive” was her motto. Even until the end, Joanne refused to give up, telling her kids, “Don’t worry, I’m going to be okay”.

Joanne’s warmth, kindness, and forgiving nature touched the lives of everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church with Rev. Thuy Nguyen presiding.  Interment will follow at the Souris Valley Memorial Gardens. Please join the family for lunch afterwards in the church auditorium.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the care Joanne received throughout her illness. Heartfelt thanks to: Dr. Schifke, Dr. Taylor, NP Darryl Loche, the chemo nurses at BC Cancer Centre in Kelowna, and the many community care aids and nurses who helped with all aspects of care. Stephen and Stephanie would especially like to thank the angels at Hospice House for their compassion and care during mom’s short stay.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay tribute to Joanne can make a donation in her memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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Canadian Cancer Society or Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society Link: cancer.ca, www.craigscause.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Roberta says:
    August 23, 2024 at 8:12 pm

    Sending my condolences to Joanne’s family and friends. She volunteered in my classroom in West Kelowna. The students were always happy to see her and relied on “Ms. Joanne” to help them with their work. I appreciated her help and valued our friendship. Take comfort knowing she is at peace.

    Reply

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