Passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Thursday, July 25, 2024 with her daughters, their spouses, and Steve Johnson by her side.
Beloved mom of Alanna Baillargeon-Smith (Luc) and Kendra Henderson (Jordan). Step-mom of Jesse Johnson (Erin). Cherished Mimi of Britton, Atticus, Birdie, Goldie, Charlie Jo, Penelope, Vaughn and Indy. Predeceased by her parents John and Vina Large, the late Ken Large (Pat) and the late David Large. Sister of Ron Large (Eloise) and Glenda McBride (Kevin). JoAnne will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her fur babies Vinny, Dudley and Arthur.
JoAnne had a passion for learning and was a dedicated teacher for over 30 years. She started her career in northern Manitoba and taught in many classrooms before finishing in Sault Ste. Marie. Her favourite time of year was September because that meant it was “back to school!” In addition to relatives and friends, she leaves behind many students whose lives she has touched over the years.
JoAnne also had a love for plants. She was known for her plentiful gardens and her green thumb. She could bring life back to any plant. Her sweet, caring heart couldn’t leave a poor, little lonely plant by itself at the store; she often ended up with an odd collection of flowers, tomatoes and cactus friends.
We will miss you dearly, but we know you are not gone. We will feel you in the air before a thunderstorm, the big heavy flakes of a blizzard and the warm comforting sun. We’ll think of you when we see mallard ducks with green heads, frogs, spring’s first robin, a dime, a nice line of clothes and freshly bailed hay.
We feel blessed to have had an extra 7 years with JoAnne. She had a double lung transplant in 2017; gaining her “bonus years” that allowed her to meet all of her grand babies. She was a wonderful Mimi and will live on in beautiful memories that would not have been possible if not for her organ donor. We are thankful for the gift of life she was given.
We ask that on behalf of JoAnne and family, you consider becoming an organ donor.
JoAnne’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses for their care and compassion. Thank you to ICU nurse Amanda, Bayshore nurses Amy and Jessica as well as the lung transplant team at Toronto General Hospital.
A celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 3 pm until 6 pm at the Elks Hall Echo Bay (96 Church Street, Echo Bay). Memorial contributions payable by cheque or online to the Alpha-1 Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.