JOANNE LENORE GIESBRECHT

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joanne Giesbrecht on September 5th, 2021 in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, at the age of 63.

She is survived by her mother Lenore Zolinski, children; Trenton (Mireille) Amber, Travis (Karen) and Jaiden. grandchildren; Trenton Junior, Abigail, and Aurora. siblings; Brian (Barb), Bart (Élise), Kenny (Helena), Elaine (Martino) Curtis, and Robin. Along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Joanne was born on April 21, 1958 in Beausejour Manitoba. She was the first daughter born but 3rd in line of the six Zolinski siblings. She was raised in Lac du Bonnet, where she attended school, and in 1974 was crowned beauty queen winner of the Miss Minnewawa pageant. Jo met Earl Giesbrecht, and they wed on July 15, 1978. They had 3 children Trenton, Amber and Travis, but later divorced. She went back to school at Red River Community College and became a library technician. After graduation she worked for the St. Vital school division for a few years, then moved the kids out to Lac du Bonnet in 1996, to the cabin on Millner Ridge.

Joanne’s love for her family was always apparent. You would often find her in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Jo was known for her Perogies and cabbage rolls, but never there was never a shortage of homemade pickles, jams, and bread when you came to visit. There was always enough food to feed an army if you came to Momma Jo’s, you could say she was everyone's Momma Jo. She even decided to become a foster parent and brought Jaiden into our lives to share her love. In 2011 she was able to share more of her love in becoming Nana Jo for the first time and was also fortunate enough to meet Aurora, the youngest of the grandchildren just before passing which meant the world to her.

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She had many talents, but one that came naturally was playing guitar and she even wrote some of her own music. She also had a passion for gardening, she shared this with her mom Jean making the yard beautiful with flowers, and rock gardens. Joanne always took the time to sit down and lend a listening ear with a cup of tea at the kitchen table. If the walls could talk... they would have many stories of love, heartbreak, illness, words of wisdom and encouragement.

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Jump back Jo had a zest for life and a will to live like no other. She was Brave and had unmatchable strength. Over the years she had overcome many health issues, one after the other, she just smiled and fought harder, nobody would ever know the pain she bore. She even requested her very own living celebration of life, she insisted on having one last shabang with her family and close friends. That speaks volumes to the strong-willed women she was. She wore an armor suit that came in a tie-dye dress and a flower crown. She will be forever missed, but we know you shine down on us, you are the wild flowers that blow in the breeze, the ray of sun that shines through the clouds, and the stars that twinkle bright on a clear night.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the healthcare worker’s for their empathy, kindness and love that was provided throughout her time in their care.

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In Accordance with Joanne’s wishes, cremation taken place and no formal service will be held. Joanne’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

She’s Gone

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You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived.

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You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

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 Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or you can be full of the love you shared.

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You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

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You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

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You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

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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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