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JO-ANNA SMITH
Date of Passing: Dec 27, 2014
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JO-ANNA SMITH Peacefully on December 27, 2014, at the age of 74 years, Jo-Anna Smith of Arnes, MB., passed away. Jo-Anna was born and raised in Gimli. She was very active in the Gimli Lutheran Church when growing up. She was very proud to have been the first to be confirmed in the new church. Jo-Anna graduated high school and later received her RN from Misericordia Hospital in 1962. She married Don Smith in 1964 and they lived in Winnipeg for many years prior to retiring at their dream cottage. In her early years Jo-Anna worked at the Gimli post office and enjoyed baseball and curling. Her parents instilled a distinct set of values of independence, hard work and love. Her school mates called Jo-Anna a "Pollyanna"; finding goodness in everything, smile and love for life. This prepared Jo-Anna for her adventures outside of Gimli. She has fond memories of nursing training at Misericordia Hospital and met lifelong friends while there. She worked with many of these friends in Deaconess in Grand Forks, where they were very respected by the hospital staff. Don did many trips with other classmates' boyfriends to Grand Forks. She was married to Don in 1964 and relocated to Lac du Bonnet as a public health nurse and Don ran a one room school. Later they lived in Pine falls and Silver Falls and started a family, having two sons, Jon and Kris. There were great family memories both in Silver falls and later in Winnipeg. Jo-Anna and family loved to spend Christmas in Gimli with parents Clifford and Snjolaug Stevens and many cousins. Jo-Anna and Don provided many opportunities for their sons to ensure a fruitful set of experiences to learn. In Winnipeg she was very active with curling with her friends and sons' school and sports. In the summers they lived in Gimli at their "Kofi", where they enjoyed entertaining ones close to them. During her life Jo-Anna loved to read books, stay up to date on current world events and sports. Jo-Anna was predeceased by her beloved son, Jon, as well as her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Don; son Kris (Marnie), and her three grandchildren Abby, Heidi and Courtney. She is also survived by her brother Clifford Stevens (Beverly), as well as nephews and nieces Thor, Stephan, Sylvia and Susan. A special thank you to Dorothy and Sylvia for their assistance during the last few months. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to CancerCare. Cremation has taken place as per her wishes. A service to celebrate Jo-Anna's life will be held at Gimli Lutheran Church on January 23 at 2:00 p.m. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli, in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2015
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to all your family. Jo would come into the library on a regular basis and we always looked forward to her visits. She was always so friendly and kind. She will be sadly missed by those in the community that knew her. - Posted by: Melanie & Bruce Dryden (cousin) on: Mar 11, 2015
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Our sincere sympathy and condolences to Don and his family. We always admired Jo-Anna for her sensitivity towards nature and her love of taking care of the birds and the deer. We enjoyed having coffee with you and Jo-Anna at our house this summer. We will look for ward to having coffee with you, Don, again this summer. Sincerely, Al and June - Posted by: Al and June Wieler (Neighbours on Dori Drive) on: Jan 25, 2015
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Oh the memories we hold dear to our hearts and which will never be forgotten of the good times at Loni Beach. Jo Anna was always there with a warm welcome and a mischievous story to tell. Please accept our condolences. - Posted by: Nelly ,Bob and Deb Potter (Friends) on: Jan 05, 2015
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Dear Uncle Don, Kris and family, I have so many fond memories as a child enjoying many Christmases and summers with your family. All the delicious food, road hockey games and fun times at the Kovi! Even though life paths made it difficult to stay close in touch in recent years I know Aunty Jo always cared a lot about me and looked forward to hearing about my family! Thinking about you guys! Love Susan - Posted by: Susan (niece) on: Jan 05, 2015
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Don, Kris and Family: My heart goes out to you and your family on the passing of Jo-Anna. Please accept my sincerest, deepest, heartfelt condolences on the loss of our dear Jo-Anna. She was a beautiful woman, who really enjoyed life. I have so many happy memories of spending time together. Our paths separated to some degree when I moved away but it was always a highlight when I returned to visit my relatives as well as Jo-Anna and family. She was my lifelong friend one of those special people you encounter only a few times over your lifetime. I’ll miss her so much, and cherish all the funny and special times we had together over the years. We were very privileged to have known her! Your friends, Muriel & Bill Krier - Posted by: Muriel & Bill Krier (Good Friends) on: Jan 04, 2015
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Jo Anna was a fun person She was a good friend and I have fond memories of her She will be missed . - Posted by: Mary (Bergen) French (Friend and fellow Misericordia Grad) on: Jan 03, 2015
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Hi Don,sending my sympathy to you & your family. I remember our curling days @ the Elmwood curling Club!!, Jo Anna was the one that taught me how to cross country ski. We had alot crazy fun time at Birds Hill park. I will now cherish these memories. Take care x0x0 betty kuras - Posted by: Betty Kuras (old neighour) on: Jan 03, 2015