Joan Cornelius Connelly
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Joan at age 67 in her own home.
She leaves behind her life partner Wayne Vandale, her siblings John (Lois Connelly), Mary (Wilf Hartfelder), Joyce (John Popien), Louise (Bill Hutchinson), Diann, Caroline (Bob LaBrier) and Kay (Morris Golden). Her sister Helen (Sheldon Murphy) followed Joan five days later. Both now join their parents at rest. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and aunts in Alberta, BC and Ontario will also mourn her loss.
Joan was born the 8th child of Carl and Margaret Connelly on August 23, 1955 in the Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital. She was raised on the family farm and attended grades 1 -9 at Elmworth School and completed her high school qualifications at Beaverlodge Regional High School in 1975. Following high school Joan moved to Edmonton and was employed steadily as a labourer until sickness forced retirement. Joan was a very diligent worker and took her work seriously.
Joan loved her family beyond all measure. She took great pride in remembering everyone’s birthday and always tried to get the first call in. Joan enjoyed travelling to Mexico, England, Portugal, U.S and within Canada.
Joan took great pleasure in the years that she was able to tend a community garden plot in the Unity Square area of Edmonton. When she was unable to grow her own produce she relished in going to the local Farmer’s Markets. A favourite pastime of Joan’s was having coffee while watching the geese and goslings at Hawrelak Park and visiting Elk Island National Park.
There is no doubt that life on earth is difficult at times and Joan persevered more than her share. Her attitude was always to carry on without complaint about her situation. On December 26th, 2022, a day after one of her favourite holidays she bravely passed over that which she could no longer carry. May she rest in peace.
The family owes their appreciation to the Renal Dialysis Unit at the Edmonton General Hospital for her 14 years of care. Also, special mention must be made to her family doctor, Dr. Sonia Fuentes-Rodriguez and Barb, diabetic nurse at the Kaye Clinic in Edmonton for their dedication to improving clients’ health, and healthcare services provided by Homecare.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, inurnment will be at the Rio Grande Cemetery.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.
Joan was very devoted to her family as they were to her. She lived her life with great determination, lots of courage and quietly left after a good fight.
Such a heartbreaking loss for her siblings especially her devoted sister, Diann.
Let perpetual light shine upon her and may she rest in peace ♥️
With much love and sympathy from your Ontario cousins and Aunt Mildred.
When I think of my Auntie Joan – I think of K-days. Growing up she always saved us a front row seat in front of the car wash to watch the parade and then a few days later eagerly take us to the fairgrounds via ETS. It was hard to tell who was more excited, Auntie Joan or us. She always had this child-like excitement when it came to family, birthdays and holidays yet it was the simple things that brought her so much joy. Meeting up for an ice cream, giving her baby pictures of the kids or a quick call. Auntie Joan, you were one of a kind. I hope you are having a coffee with mom and your folks in heaven. Forever missed.
Joan,was a remarkable lady and very straight to the point she lived her life to the fullest. She was a friend and a sister in law to me.She maybe gone but for ever in my heart.May she rest in peace.
Auntie I will forever miss u soooo much… I still can’t believe she is gone… When I would talk to my anutie she would always tell me that she was proud of me and that she was very happy when I over came my addiction… She was happy to hear me starting to be in my kids life and happy that me and my mom was getting along… She was always straight up with me and would tell me how it was as much as I didn’t wanna hear it at times she was always right…. Auntie may u rest in the land of paradise and please give my uncle’s hugs for me…. Xoxoxo I will truly miss u auntie…. Fly high…. Spend those wings I love u…..
Today my heart is heavy of just learning my good friend of 46 years passed away two month ago. Joni was my most gentle, kindest, loving friend…the sweetest soul ever. I will always miss our stolen moments of coffee visit between our schedules and our long in-depth talks…Joni loved my kids like hers, Auntie Joni to them was love, chocolate milk and smarties. Joni my friend, I will miss you so…you are still my dearest friend my life will have a void but my heart is full of great times together and I was so blessed to have had you in my life…lots of love…now that your up in heaven meet up with mom, and the two of you laugh and giggle of past times and every so often, pop in, send a gentle memory that we shared that I can smile and feel your rested soul.