Joanne Gris passed away peacefully at home in Kamloops on September 12, 2015 with her husband at her side after an 11 year courageous battle with cancer. Joanne was born on March 28, 1955 in Fernie, British Columbia.
Joanne was a bright student who graduated from Sparwood High School and attended both Capilano and Cariboo College where she obtained her Outdoor Recreation Degree. She also obtained her Social Work Degree while working full time and raising three children, receiving the Silver Medal for highest marks while doing so.
Joanne was a great leader who focused on her career with passion and integrity, retiring from the Ministry of Social Development after 33 years of Provincial Government Service. She then went on to work for Community Living Services for several years before spending her remaining years mainly travelling to Phoenix, Mexico and Alaska with family. She most of all enjoyed her summers spending time at the family cabin on Kootenay lake in Nelson, BC.
Joanne also thoroughly enjoyed athletics and the outdoors. She loved to go on walks and eventually entered walking marathons in various places. She was a proficient Racquetball player in her earlier years and would enter competitive tournaments where she would often win the Kamloops Doubles City Championship. She enjoyed her years playing indoor and outdoor soccer and really enjoyed playing broomball where she competed in several National Championships. Joanne and her husband would travel the Province both playing in various tournaments, bringing their children with them, who would be commonly referred to as rink rats.
Joanne had the most contagious smile which was always prevalent when spending time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She will be greatly missed as she was a true gem with special qualities for exemplifying how life should be lived.
Joanne is predeceased by her mother Emma Gris and father-in-law Don Fraser. Joanne is survived by her father Remigio Gris, mother-in-law Dawn Fraser, husband Wayne Fraser, daughters, Brittany Parker (Alex) and Michelle Fraser, son Joshua Fraser (Cassie), grandchildren Liam Fraser and Mackenzie Laing, brothers Rick Gris (Shari) and Randy Gris (Mary), sister Linda Latka, brother-in-law Blair Fraser (Brenda), sister-in-law’s Donna Fraser (Bill) and Judy Carvish (Brian), and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at the Calvary Community Church, 1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC on Saturday, September 19th at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Don Maione officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. www.cbcf.org/bc
12 Tributes
Dear Wayne and family,
I was very sad to hear that Joanne had passed away. It has been many years since she and I played broomball together but I always remembered her fondly. She had great spirit and a great sense of humour. I’m sure this served her well with her battle with cancer.
Sincerely,
Lexi Sherman
Wayne and Family,
So sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. Will always treasure our times together on our broomball road trips. She was a special lady and will be missed.
Kim and Boz
A person that departs this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept our condolences, JoAnne will not be forgotten.
Gary & Gail Kopp
Dear Wayne and family,
I am so sad to hear about Joanne’s passing. I will forever remember our broomball days together and JoJo’s incredible team spirit, infectious smile and class she always showed…on and off the ice.
R.I.P my friend…..
Deb Craw
Dear Wayne and family,
What a beautiful lady. I will always remember Joanne. I hope your good memories will help comfort your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Charmaine Bartram
Dear Wayne & family…
We are deeply saddened by your loss and wish to offer you these words of our condolence penned by Victoria Bruce
Joanne Gris – In Memoriam
For a second you were flying
Like you always wanted to
Now you’ll fly forever
In skies of azure blue
We’ll see your smile in every ray
Of sunshine after rain
And hear the echo of your laughter
Over all the pain
The world’s a little quieter now
The colours have lost their hue
The birds are singing softly
And our hearts are missing you
Each time we see a little cloud
Or a rainbow soaring high
We’ll think of you and gently
Wipe a tear drop from our eye
Respectfully,
Kathy&BruceJones
So sadend . Joanne has touched so many lives enormously, beyond words. Our memories will live on forever. Until we meet again, Yvonne
Dear Wayne and family.
I had the honor of playing soccer with Joanne. She was a great athlete but more than that, she was a gracious, kind and giving person. She had a wonderful heart and was a very beautiful person. I am very sorry for your loss. I too will miss her.
Pat Johnson and family.
To Wayne and family,
We were so sad to hear of Joanne’s passing.
We are so privileged to have known her. We will always remember her as a nice lady with a beautiful smile. From the both of us, sending you our deepest sympathy for your loss. She will truly be missed by us all.
Sincerely,
Gord and Melanie Buna
Abbotsford, B.C.
We were so sad to hear of Joanne’s passing. Our Most Heartfelt Condolences to the Entire Family.
Brenda & Steve Kos
Dear Wayne & Family
It was a shock to hear of Joanne’s passing, our thoughts are with your family. We are sorry that we couldn’t pay our respects in person on Saturday
Dear Wayne,
We are so sorry for your loss. Joanne was a very special lady and a great team mate in those glory broomball days. I especially remember her talent, sportsmanship and leadership. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Ed and Jay Babcock