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Joanne Brown

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JOANNE MARIA BROWN

(Née Windsor)

December 10, 1963 – May 12, 2026

Peacefully, and surrounded by the love of her family, Joanne passed on May 12, 2026. Satisfied that she had set this world straight, she is now embarking on the task of organizing the afterlife.


Born in Winnipeg, Joanne was raised in both Winnipeg and Saskatoon. She met the love of her life Brad while studying Social Work at Lakehead University. Married in 1990, the couple embarked on an almost 36 year journey involving kids, work, wilderness canoe trips and cross country travel.


Joanne loved her career as a social worker for New Directions. Using the lens of Attachment Theory, Joanne was a powerful and well respected advocate for creating healthy and secure connections between children and their caregivers.


Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Tonie Windsor. She is survived by her husband Brad; daughter Erin Blair (Dan), son Mike (Mia Djuric); grandchildren, Emily, Sara and Katie Blair; and faithful Golden Retriever Gandalf. She also leaves behind cherished in-laws, good friends, and countless people whose lives she touched both personally and professionally.


At Joanne’s request there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Joanne’s life will be scheduled in early summer.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Stephanie

June 3, 2026 at 12:44 PM

We worked with Joanne for sometime to help with our son and family. She made such a huge impact on our family. I'm so deeply saddened to hear of her passing, she was such a wonderful person. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult Time.

Jess

May 28, 2026 at 10:58 AM

Thank you Joanne for being the hands for me for 20 years. Jess

Barb Triggs-Raine

May 26, 2026 at 5:32 PM

My deepest sympathy to Brad, Michael, Erin and your families. Joanne will be missed by many. I knew Joanne from our time when our kids played on the same team at the Broncos football club. Joanne was such a great volunteer and friend. Although our paths only connected from time to time after football I immediately felt a connection when we met! A truly kind and positive person. She will be missed.

Jan Ranson

May 25, 2026 at 5:55 PM

Sending my deepest condolences to Brad, Michael, and Erin.

I met Joanne 20 years ago in a professional capacity and she sparked my curiosity and passion for learning more about attachment relationships. I could listen to her talk in workshops for hours and never get enough. I eventually joined the board of The Attachment Network of Manitoba just so I could continue to learn from her, and I did so for 14 years. We grew to be friends as well as colleagues and we enjoyed getting together occasionally and touching base regularly; especially during nfl football season when we would take playful jabs at each other's QB's.

The Early Learning and Child Care sector has lost a invaluable mentor and a strong advocate for children. Many of us have lost a friend and ally that we greatly respected. She was a Safe Haven and Secure Base in the lives of so many including mine.

 

Rest in Peace Joanne.

Karen Taylor

May 25, 2026 at 8:44 AM

Thank you for all you have done for the children of Manitoba and their families. Joanne you were an incredible woman and I am so grateful I was able to call you my friend, mentor, and collegue.

 

Thank you to Brad, Michael and Erin for sharing Joanne with us. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

Erin Nault

May 24, 2026 at 10:16 AM

The loss of Joanne is unimaginable to all of us and I send my deepest sympathy to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

I don't think I have ever met someone who made connections like Joanne could. I learned so much from her. The mentorship, kindness, encouragement, and guidance Joanne shared with anyone who was lucky enough to get to spend time with her is incredible. Joanne was not only the most genuine professional but an amazing person who cared deeply for others.

Rest peacefully Joanne. Forever in my heart and my work moving forward.

Mirjana Djuric

May 24, 2026 at 8:01 AM

The family and friends of Mike, I know there no words that can ease your pain at this wery sad time. Just know that I'm thinking of you and will be there to help and support however I can .

Lirio

May 23, 2026 at 9:02 PM

Rest in peace, Joanne! ELCC has lost an incredible ally.

Lisa Telega and Allen Degelman

May 23, 2026 at 4:05 PM

Allen and I are so sorry for the loss of Joanne. We are thinking of you and your families at this difficult time.

Robert Baker

May 23, 2026 at 3:04 PM

Hi Brad, may God be with you all. Best wishes.

Anita Posaluko

May 23, 2026 at 10:13 AM

So very sad to hear of Joanne's passing. She was a beacon to many. The passion she brought to her work with children and families was felt by many. She was a strong advocate and champion. She will be greatly missed. Heartfelt condolences to family.

Marjorie Webb

May 23, 2026 at 9:02 AM

I am so sad to hear of Joanne's passing. My thoughts are with Brad, Erin and Mike in this most difficult time.

Linda Blair

May 23, 2026 at 8:46 AM

Joanne,

I am truly lost for words hearing of your passing. Your dedication and passion for supporting children and families went far beyond what words can express. The Early Learning and Child Care sector has lost someone whose impact reached so many lives in meaningful and lasting ways.

Your leadership, guidance, and unwavering support meant so much to countless people. You were such an important part of our centre for many years, and we will deeply miss your mentorship, wisdom, and kind presence. I will especially miss being able to call you for advice and guidance, knowing you would always listen and help with such care and compassion.

Please rest in peace knowing that you made a profound difference in the lives of so many children, families, and educators. Your legacy will continue to live on through every person you encouraged, mentored, and inspired.

You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Emily Wood

May 22, 2026 at 6:19 PM

Met in Jamaica and became instant friends! So sad and way to young! She will be missed and my sincere condolences to Brad and family 😥😥😥

Melissa Hiebert

May 22, 2026 at 3:29 PM

Joanne, I am so devastated by hearing about your departure. You were a huge light on this world and the childcare profession.

"What can you see on the horizon? Why do the white gulls call? Across the sea a pale moon rises. The ships have come to carry you home. And all will turn to silver glass. A light on the water, all souls pass into the west"

Rhonda Elias-Penner

May 22, 2026 at 1:48 PM

Thank you for all the wisdom, love and kindness you shared with caregivers, families, professionals and our community for so many years! You will alwasy be the COS guru and your absence in the community will truly be missed!

Donna Freeman

May 20, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Joanne,

Your passion, wisdom, and guidance in the early learning and childcare sector have truly made a lasting impact. Through your leadership, you have helped so many of us see children differently — not just as learners, but as the amazing little human beings they truly are.

Thank you for inspiring us to lead with compassion, curiosity, and respect for every child’s unique voice and potential. Your influence will continue to shape the way we work and connect with children for years to come.

You will be truly missed, but your legacy and the difference you have made will never be forgotten.

With heartfelt gratitude,

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