Jo-Ann TURNER

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TURNER: With family by her side, Jo-Ann Grace Turner, of Brandon, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Friday, August 14, 2015. Born June 28, 1962 in Wawanesa, Manitoba, Jo-Ann was the first of four children born to Joe and Grace Slawinsky. Throughout her early years, Jo-Ann and her family resided in several places across Manitoba (Steinbach, Grunthal, and Winnipeg) before finally settling just south of Brandon near the Brandon Hills in 1973. It was here, in her teenage years, that Jo-Ann met Bob who grew up just a mile away from Jo-Ann’s family home. After several years of dating, on July 9, 1983, Jo-Ann and Bob were married and moved into the first of four homes they would build together. Together, her and Bob had three children: Trent in 1985, Brock in 1987, and Karly in 1990. After graduating from Neelin High School in 1980, Jo-Ann attended Nursing School at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1982. Wanting to further her education, she registered at Brandon University for her Bachelor of Nursing, graduating as the Gold Medal Award recipient in 2000. Employed as a nurse since 1982, Jo-Ann held numerous positions at the Brandon Hospital including: Nurse Educator for the Labour and Delivery, NICU, and Pediatrics departments; a member of the planning team for the new single room maternity ward; an educator for the Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Fetal Monitoring courses; a lactation consultant; a contributor in the keepsake program for parents who suffer perinatal loss; and lastly, Manager for the Maternal Child area. Jo-Ann was very family oriented and always ensured her children had every opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams. From schooling to music to sports, Jo-Ann was an important part of all her children’s successes. She was always supportive in her children’s passions for the violin, harp, and piano and was always there to cheer them on during hockey and golf games. During the summers, Jo-Ann and Bob could be found tending to their flower and vegetable gardens. She then spent the fall months canning tomatoes, making salsa, pizza sauce, and jam, and freezing numerous vegetables for the winter. She loved to travel and many memories were made during family camping trips to Asessippi, ski trips to B.C, and vacations to Disney World, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Jo-Ann loved to fish and was always first to volunteer to fillet the catch. She loved everything musical and was often seen singing and dancing along to her favourite songs. She also enjoyed keeping active, down-hill skiing, cross-country skiing, and playing hockey for the Brandon Beavers. Always passionate about helping others, Jo-Ann was a teacher in all aspects of her life. She was the go-to person for questions about medical issues, raising children, baking, and gardening and her door was always open. She was an outgoing, positive, encouraging, and very supportive person. She always gave 100% and lived life to the fullest. She touched many lives and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Left to cherish Jo-Ann's memory are her husband Bob; children: Trent (Ryann), grandson Liam; Brock (Blaire), and Karly (Cody); parents Joe and Grace Slawinsky; siblings: Marilyn (Jack Puddifant), Curt (Kim Meyer), and Karen (Matt Stie). She also leaves behind her mother-in-law Ieleen, three brothers-in-law and their families, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Jo-Ann was predeceased by four grandparents and father- in-law Ross. The Funeral Ceremony was held at Central United Church on Monday, August 17, 2015 with Joe Ball, Hospital Chaplain, officiating. Everyone in attendance were considered Honourary Pallbearers. Active Pallbearers were: Trent Turner, Brock Turner, Cody Brown, Marilyn Slawinsky, Curt Slawinsky & Karen Slawinsky. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jo-Ann may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Expressions of sympathymay be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 22, 2015