With heavy hearts, we announce that Jo-Ann passed away on January 13, 2021 at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg at the age of 60 years.

 

She is survived by her child Bobbi Szklaruk (Andrew); grandchild (Maverick); siblings Laurina, Renee, James, Jeremy; and long-time friend Mary.

 

Jo-Ann was born in Winnipeg to Lionel “Mickey” McLaughlin and her birth mother Annette. Jo-Ann was raised in Winnipeg by her loving Memere while her father was working as a truck driver. When Mickey remarried to Sherrill, Jo-Ann and the family moved to Ear Falls Ontario. Leaving home in her teens she met Ken a long-distance trucker at the Prawda Esso. They spent many years together traveling Canada, and the USA, eventually setting down roots in Regina. They were married and had one child together, Bobbi. Becoming a mother for Jo-Ann was one of life’s greatest joys. Jo-Ann and Ken eventually divorced, but always remained the best of friends till his untimely death. Jo-Ann raised Bobbi as a single mom while completing her adult education high school diploma, then earning her diploma in psychiatric nursing. Jo-Ann returned to Winnipeg after completing schooling to be with her brother Craig and start her career as a nurse. Unfortunately, life’s circumstances got in the way of Jo-Ann practicing nursing. She spent many years as a home health care aid for the province until that began to have too big of a toll on her heart. Jo-Ann was a very private person and did not have many friends or loved ones in her life, but the ones she did she cared deeply for. Jo-Ann could almost always be found owning a dog as they were her true best friend. Jo-Ann also owned a tarantula which most of us just shook our heads at, but she could not stand to see it alone at the pet shop. Jo-Ann loved being a mother but when she found out that she was going to be a Grandma she was overjoyed; she had prayed for this for years. After Maverick was born Grandma would ask for photos to be printed weekly to share in the joy of growing up. Jo-Ann longed for the hot summer months where she could spend time outdoors with her dogs and in her garden. Jo-Ann loved spending an afternoon with her daughter, browsing thru antique stores followed by a buffet lunch. Jo-Ann found peace in Jesus, she would often be listening to church services on tv or the radio, and almost always had a bible open on her kitchen table.

 

The last few years were particularly hard for Jo-Ann. First the loss of her brother Craig, then the loss of her two boxer dogs Buster and Mackenzie. With Covid restrictions in place this last year it played a huge toll on her mental health, especially since she could not visit with those, she loved the most. In December Jo-Ann had a massive stroke, she spent several weeks at the hospital but ultimately the injuries were too severe. Jo-Ann passed away in her sleep instead of alone which is the greatest gift God could have given her. Jo-Ann was a stubborn woman that did things the way she wanted to, so a life bedridden would have been devastating to her.

 

Jo-Ann’s family would like to thank the medical and social work teams at HSC Winnipeg for their care and compassion over the last few weeks. While Covid restrictions have been in place we know that Jo-Ann was given great care filled with kindness and compassion.

 

In Accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. 

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I’M FREE

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Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God has laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all,

 

I could not stay another day,

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found peace at the close of day.

 

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joys,

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

O yes, these things I too will miss.

 

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savoured much,

Good family, good times, a loved one's touch.

 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it with undue grief,

Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee,

God wanted me now. From pain I'm free.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St, Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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