On February 26, 2024, Jo-Anne Frances Taylor entered into Eternal Rest. Predeceased by her loving husband, Adrian, her beloved son, Patrick, and her parents, Burt and Mary Barrett. Jo-Anne's memory is cherished by her cousin, Maureen Davidson; her sister-in-law, Sylvia Berryere; and her nephew, Clive Berryere.
Born in Port Alberni, B.C., on September 29, 1947, Jo-Anne moved to Kamloops at around the age of six. She attended St. Ann’s Academy for grades 1-6 before progressing to John Peterson Secondary. Her childhood was filled with joyous sleepovers, ice skating, and tobogganing adventures down the 6th Avenue trail before it became a street. Her lifelong friend, Linda (nee Levesque), fondly recalls Jo-Anne's long hair, her passion for music and dance—especially square dancing—her struggle with health problems miraculously cured, her love for animals, and her commitment to the "100 Mile Diet," emphasizing locally produced foods. Her friend also remembers her sense of humour and her unfailing care for others. Jo-Anne lived in Victoria for some time, working as a hairstylist at the famous Empress Hotel, with the wives of Provincial Government officials as her clients.
In January 1978, she met Adrian, the love of her life, marrying him in April 1979. Their son, Patrick, was born in October 1981. The loss of Patrick in August 2017 to an aneurysm, and Adrian in April 2022, cast a shadow of sorrow over her life.
She made Holy Family parish her home, volunteering as the receptionist and faithfully leading a rosary prayer group for decades. As Adrian's health declined, she dedicated herself to being his caregiver. Harold's Restaurant was one of their favourite places for outings. Until her death, she continued to serve as an organizer of the Holy Family/Sacred Heart prayer line.
All who knew Jo-Anne were blessed by her gentleness, her deep love for those around her, her concern for the cares of the world, her strong devotion to the Catholic faith, and her life of prayer. May her soul, through the mercies of God, rest in peace.
