JOANNE KNOWLES

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JOANNE KNOWLES

On March 4, 2024, Joanne passed away at the age of 83.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Larry (Elizabeth Vaughan) - Hannah, Sadie and Regan; Chris (Shana) - Hunter and Harper as well as Janis Kippen, a close friend for many years. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Jackie, her brother Jim and her former husband Lorne.

For years Joanne worked as an administrative assistant in both the public and private sectors, most notably at McDonald Youth Services. Capitalizing on her lifelong love of golf, she switched careers and began working at Southwood Golf Course as a Pro Shop Assistant. It was here she discovered her talents as a purchaser for golf apparel and she quickly developed a reputation of having some of the best women's golf fashions in the city. Many of her customers came from all over the city who were members of other private clubs. When she relocated to Fairmont, BC she took great delight in expanding the women's apparel at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf Course. Her last position was at the Killarney Lakeside Golf Club when she returned to Manitoba in 2001.

Golf was not her only sporting passion. She was a tremendous softball player in her youth with a wicked sidearm release that served her well as a shortstop. She continued to play well into her 50s and she often said that her fondest memory was playing slo-pitch with her sons. She was also a very accomplished curler, winning an MCLA event in their annual bonspiel. She was very proud to have passed on her love of sports to her kids and she was always present at our games to cheer us on and lend her support.

Other than her family, her biggest passion was her love of animals. Over the years she took in many strays or at the very least set out a tray of food or a bowl of water. Neighbourhood dogs and cats would know that an easy meal could be had at the Knowles house. We are comforted to know she will be reunited with Caesar, Muffin, Susie, Jessie, Mikey and Jake.

As she once put it, "Life's greatest asset is friends". We would like to thank all of those who befriended her over the years. Please know that you made her life fuller with your friendship and support. In keeping with her wishes there will be no funeral service but an intimate Celebration of Life will be held at Rossmere Golf Club on Friday, June 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for those who wish to drop in.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2024, Jun 15, 2024