Jo-Ann Van Buskirk

JoAnn - beloved daughter, wife, mom, nanny, aunt, sister, sister-in-law and treasured friend was "a loving and beautiful woman." She is survived by: sons Bill (Angie), Dale (Twyla), Peter (Pat), Calvin; daughters Patti Mawer (Gary) and Christine Flaatten; sister Judy Evans; sisters-in-law Marie Evans and Pat Stewardson; daughter-in-law Marianne; son-in-law Brian Flaatten; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 49 years Archie, brother Tommy Evans, sisters-in-law Grace, Catherine and Elizabeth; brother-in-law Earle; and her parents Thomas and Doris Evans. Born in Trail, BC on November 8, 1934, she moved to Fernie where she met and married Archie in 1955. In 1960 she moved to Victoria with her family and kept very close ties with friends in Fernie and the East Kootenays, especially at Rosen Lake.

JoAnn's life, love and passion were her family and those who were treated and felt like family whenever they walked through the door of her home. Expected or not, you were always welcomed, fed, cared for – and sometimes even put to bed! She was much more than a sister to Judy as she and Archie brought her into their home and raised her as one of their own. Her love for children was endless: when her own children moved out of her home, she welcomed new ones in and provided loving daycare as “Nanny, Apple Granny” to her grandchildren and friends’ children.

JoAnn was personable and her beautiful smile and terrific sense of humour immediately engaged people: she would strike up a conversation with anyone who made eye contact with her. She was also an incredible cook, homemaker, and baker making “millions” of cookies over the years. She loved the outdoors and when not out walking for miles she was driving the backroads in the East Kootenays. Watching the birds (especially hummingbirds and loons), craft making, picking berries and a quiet paddle in the canoe on the smooth and peaceful lake were some of her favorite hobbies. JoAnn touched the hearts of so many and was dearly loved. We will truly miss her and will cherish her in our hearts and memories forever.

As per JoAnn's wishes, the family will gather for a Spaghetti meal in Victoria on Friday, June 15, 2018. To honour JoAnn’s legacy of love and devotion to family, please make time on Friday to reach out and connect with your family….a warm hug, a loving phone call, or quiet reflection.

The family sends sincere thanks to all the staff and volunteers of Glenwarren Lodge and The Heights at Mt. View for their compassionate care and support. A very special and heartfelt thank you to Marion: your compassion, humour and genuine friendship with Mom enriched her life and ours.

In keeping with Mom’s generousity and love for children, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Santa’s Anonymous or a charity of your choice.