Joanna Lynne Lessels was welcomed into this world by parents Robert and Lynne (Goddard) Lessels and big sisters Kate and Christina (Tim) in North Vancouver on February 10, 1976. It is with broken hearts that we have had to say goodbye to her far too early, following her death on March 11, 2022. Joanna spent much of her childhood and university years in Ontario, both Oakville and London, but was ultimately drawn back to her birthplace where she lived for the last 22 years. Although we may be saying goodbye, Joanna’s larger than life spirit, incredible generosity, and her love and care for the people in her life will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of her family and friends.
Joanna (aka Jo, JoJo or Joey) was an adventurous and mischievous child. Extended family members in Montreal would not soon forget their first meeting of two-year-old Joanna during a family trip, due to the black eye she was sporting from tripping on stairs (even while holding hands). “Where’s Joanna?” was a question asked more times than our family would have liked during outings—most famously at a mall in California where at age four she wandered away, giving her parents and sisters a scare remembered more than 40 years later. Alas for Joanna, there was no fear. When asked by a store employee at the other end of the mall if she was lost, Joanna told her no, she was shopping.
Joanna never lost her youthful spirit, something so rare and such a gift to those whose lives she graced. She had a memorable sense of humour, an equally unforgettable laugh and a beautiful smile. Her seriously competitive approach to board and card games was renowned and she enthusiastically participated in different sports, including a softball league. Joanna never met a roller coaster she was afraid to ride, a horror movie she was afraid to watch or a hot sauce she was afraid to eat.
Joanna related so well to all of the children in her life, whom she adored. She loved being an aunt to her niece and nephew, Iona and Etienne, and to her dear friend Jacqueline’s children, Alexis, Liam, Calista, Sloan and Logan. She loved to treat the kids to outings and gifts, and was always ready to play with them whether it be building blocks or games, which they loved in return.
Given her childhood habit of disappearing during family outings, it seemed such a contradiction that Joanna missed home so much when she left for her undergraduate years at King’s College, Western University. However, she quickly spread her wings which eventually carried her back to Vancouver for a program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and her fulfilling career. The organizations she worked for throughout her career benefited from her dedication and enthusiasm, her colleagues becoming an extended family. Working for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games was one of Joanna’s most amazing experiences and something she rightfully took great pride in.
Joanna lived life to its fullest, savoring all the West Coast has to offer, such as travelling to Whistler, the Cariboo and Vancouver Island and spending time in the outdoors, enjoying concerts and get-togethers, as well as trips back to Ontario to visit family and friends. That she maintained so many friendships made at different points of her life and stayed so connected with extended family, no matter the distance, is a testament to how much Joanna valued her relationships.
As word has spread of Joanna’s death, her impact on the lives of family and friends has brought into stronger focus a picture of how truly loved she was. We are so grateful for the wonderful memories being shared from people whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Joanna’s life will be held in the near future in Ontario. We know long distances will make it impossible for everyone to gather in person, so we ask that wherever her friends and family may be, please remember Joanna as you enjoy a walk in nature, a high-spirited card game or a thrilling roller coaster ride and as you share a laugh with others. If desired, donations can be made in Joanna’s memory at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank https://foodbank.bc.ca/donations/donate-now /.