Affectionately known as Joey, JoJo, or Jo, Joannah passed away peacefully at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice on May 17, surrounded by her Fab4-her momma, her sister and her two beautiful daughters.
She was quick to laugh, quick witted, smart, vibrant, fun, and bossy. Her daughters were her everything, and she took immense pride in them. She embraced life with zeal, especially when displaying her culinary skills. Joannah delighted in preparing great meals and hosting friends and family, always with a glass of red wine in hand.
Born in Vancouver, Joannah spent most of her years in Kamloops with memorable periods in Vancouver, Park City Utah, and Calgary. Her love for dance began in her youth, where her radiant smile graced many stages. This passion was passed on to her daughters, and in recent years, she entertained with funny dance routines, often incorporating pantyhose and oven mitts for a humorous twist while attempting the Dirty Dancing lift.
Fridays were her favorite day, often spent at the pub with friends, unwinding with a glass of wine or a G&T after a hard week’s work. Saturday game nights were a staple, featuring competitive rounds of backgammon and crib with close friends, filled with laughter and colorful language. Joannah's culinary adventures extended to Meal Prep Mondays and crafting gourmet dog food for her mom’s dog. She humorously dubbed herself "Tipsy the Typist" while providing IT and office support to her parents.
Joannah cherished family traditions, from making the best scalloped potatoes to organizing the annual Christmas grandchildren’s photo and hosting St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans. In recent years, she relished visits to Mexico, Texas, and most recently, England with her mother and sister, savoring cider and chips at pubs and experiencing the London theater scene. However, her most treasured trips were those with her daughters to dance festivals and events, including unforgettable visits to New York.
Joannah formed deep connections wherever she worked, making lifelong friends at McDonald's, White Spot, Milestones, Crawford Adjusters, Forensic Dynamics, and most recently, Arrow Transport, where her hard work and creative problem-solving skills made her indispensable.
Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her daughters, Sydney, and Avery Graham-Wiseman; her mother, Maureen Duggan; her sister, Sarah (Steve Boyde), nephews Joshua and Gabriel; her stepmom, Barb (Vern Croft); many close friends, and her cherished dog, Pedro (Poodie).
Joannah faced the final chapter of her life with the same resilience and private independence that defined her. Her family is comforted in knowing she is now reunited with her stepfather Rick Duggan and her dad Bob Graham, undoubtedly sharing a drink, and making her way to Italy for wine and pasta.
Joannah loved and was loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
