1962 – 2021
Peacefully surrounded by her family at the Sault Area Hospital on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the age of 58. Loving, devoted wife and best friend of Mark for 33 years, and dear and caring mother of Neill.
Johanne was born on November 26, 1962 in Fort William, Ontario, to the late Gary and the late Marjory Cheney. Dear sister of Carol Dubas (Mark), and Karen Cartier (Daryll).
Cherished daughter-in law of Joseph Fesko and the late Lillian Fesko. Sister-in-law of Paul Fesko, Lucy Hoffman (Ken), and late Nancy Fabbro (David).
Special cousin of Eileen, Ron, Jennifer, and Heather Coulter.
Very special aunt to many nieces and nephews: Lauren Fesko-Brown and Kayley Fesko-Mendes; Kristen, Mark and Dr. Kyle Hoffman (Stephanie); Sarah Fabbro; Julia and Sara Dubas, and Jacob Cartier. Johanne is fondly remembered by Kyle (Shannon), Leo, Courtney, Megan, Chace, and Miranda.
Adored and loyal friend since childhood of Diane Dziurtz (Winnipeg) and Marcie Wilson (Thunder Bay).
Johanne’s strength, for all she endured, was hidden beneath her quiet beautiful spirit. Her door was always open to all, including Neill’s many friends when they needed a good lunch, a place to stay, or just motherly advice. She always had dog biscuits in the cupboard for visiting furry friends, and had a kindhearted smile and wave for all of her neighbours.
Johanne had a passion for the good things in life. She never wasted an opportunity to bring out the good china and the best foods. She was the rock of our family, taught us to be strong, and to stand up for what we believed in.
She will be missed by all who loved her.
Words alone can never truly express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been in Johannes’s life throughout her illness of 40 years with Crohn’s disease.
A special thank you to Johanne’s primary caregivers including Dr. McLean and Dr. Bignel; to her Renal Family led by Dr. Berry and Dr. Shafiee; to the Doctors and nurses in the Sault Area Hospital Intensive Care Unit (thank you for being so caring and compassionate over the last two months); and to the many Personal Support Workers that took care of Johanne throughout the years - she was so blessed to have you all!
Cremation has taken place, and Johanne will be at home with us until a Celebration of Life and burial in the Spring of 2021.
Memorial contributions to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, or to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada would be appreciated by the family.
Please visit the O’Sullivan Funeral Home website to leave a message of condolence for Johanne’s family.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.”
Author unknown