December 17, 1938 – September 13, 2026
Joann, named Joan Louise Kissuk at birth, beloved mother of Edward (Trisha), Keith (Kathy), and Benjamin, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 13th.
She leaves behind brother Garry Kissuk (Susan) and family in Calgary, Alberta.
Numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren Alyssa (Ryan), Jolanda and great-grandchildren, Dante, Liam and Luca.
She is predeceased by Stephen and Jeanette Kissuk, niece Kristina, first husband Leslie, and several aunts and uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.
A special mention about her friend Joy Mathewman. Joy and Joann shared the entirety of their adult lives as best friends. Joy was especially significant in convincing mom to have emergency gastric surgery in 2017, which allowed for several more years of good health.
Mom lived a life that was emblematic of the Silent Generation. She worked in several roles that led up to her first marriage and children. Then, at the vanguard of modern society, became a working mom in early 70s. Working Mom was a role she would mostly keep up for almost all of her adult life.
Having learned secretarial skills, her early professional life included acting in a legal secretary capacity which eventually led to her teaching at the Success Angus Business College where she passed on her lived knowledge to young adults at the start of their careers. One of her prized knowledge gifts to be passed along… an encyclopedic knowledge of short hand; teaching all who wished to understand what the squiggles and marks meant. She transitioned to work at Great-West Life and all the opportunities that that company brought her. Over time, she remarried and in 1989 completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the Winnipeg Bible College in Otterburne, MB.
She found a calling working with developmentally challenged adults, in the ’90s, both at the Salvation Army and Larche Society. At Larche, she was a live-in resident manager; one who took a distinct interest in both residents and colleagues.
Finally, retiring from those activities in the early part of this century. She retired to caring for her heart-dog Matrix, and, of course, keeping up with her busy and growing family.
Mom gathered friends like a snowball rolling down a hill. Not picking up everyone, but those that either were meaningful to her in a social context, or in many cases, people who were in need. There were several friends over the years that shared time, meals, and even living space in their time of need.
She loved social engagement. She loved following current events. She loved being involved. Luckily, as her body became more and more unable to maintain her independence, her cognitive abilities remained intact up until her final days.
The road to the Deer Lodge Centre was not direct. She had several stops along the way to full-time residency there in 2023. Her care on Tower 5 was excellent and very much appreciated by Joann and all who visited were lucky enough to hear mom talking about how fortunate she was to land there.
A life of 87 years has many chapters, twists, and turns. This barely scratches the surface, but allows a glimpse of how Joann impacted her family, friends, acquaintances, and people with whom she interacted.
Rest easy Joann, your work is done. The family will carry on, and remember the love that was imperfectly perfect.
Joann preferred a quiet passing with no formal celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your charity of choice, the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joann’s memorial page using the comment field below.