Obituary of Joann Woods

On May 31, 2017 Joann Arlis Woods, long time resident of Vanguard, passed away peacefully at the Meadows, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, at the age of 86 years. Joann was born at the homestead of Sydney and Hilda Muri on July 26, 1930. She attended Nybo School and Outlook Lutheran Bible College. Joann married Norman Woods on October 11, 1951. They originally settled on the Thomas Woods homestead and then relocated to Vanguard in 1966 as the family of six out grew the two bedroom farmhouse. Joann loved being busy, sewing carnival and Halloween costumes, being 4-H leader, and doing Norwegian monologues were a few of the activities that she enjoyed. Joann worked at the Vanguard Union Hospital for many years. Joann's infectious positivity made a lasting impression on everyone that she worked with and all those that she lovingly prepared meals for, and I'm sure that many of those that are with us today still have recipes at home that have " Joann, Mom, or Grandma Woods" written next to them. After retirement she enjoyed time with her family, reading books, gardening, reading books, spending time with her friends and relatives, and .....reading books. Joann was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Norman Woods. Parents Olga and Albert Christenson and a special brother Bernie Christenson. Joann leaves to mourn in her passing four daughters, Linda (Howie) Wall of Kindersley; Judy (Ron) Smid of Success; Val (Mark) Heebner of Vanguard; Barbara (Doug) Lawson of Calgary. Thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Sister-in-law Berniece Christenson and numerous nieces and nephews who were all special to her. The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff at the Meadows House 9 for the wonderful care and friendship she received during her stay. Extended family was always important to Joann . She had the pleasure of growing up surrounded by cousins. It was evident that they enjoyed her company too; Irene Taylor put it best "It was never boring when Joann was around. She had such great ideas!" Many of these playmates became lifelong friends, notably, Marlyliss Busch. Marlyliss spent hours at the Meadows with Joann. The visits truly made her day. Joann's daughters would truly like to thank her for being such a great friend. Joann was an excellent cook and whatever she made was always yummy! Her chocolate or banana cake with thick caramel icing... gooey cinnamon buns... strawberry cheesecake...and lefse at Christmas all became family traditions. Joann's highlights were travelling to Norway with her mother and Irene Taylor; travelling to Florida with Linda and Howie; going to Expo in Vancouver with Vi Hornung, watching grandchildren grow up and graduate, having cousin dinners at Casey’s, celebrating her 50th Wedding Anniversary with Norman and family, the road trip with Leroy, Bernie and Berniece, her 80th birthday bash, visiting with Guy and Mae Seto, ice cream cones for breakfast with grandkids, having Bob & Joyce Wharton as such good friends, walking Brennen down the aisle at his wedding, and attending Hayes’s Baptism this Easter. Joann loved to watch curling. When the Ladies World's came to Swift Current Joann and Irene Taylor didn't miss a day. The family was concerned that she would have to park a long ways from the doors and the walk may be too much for her. When asked Joann responded with " the parking was great I had the best spot ever, it was always open." They later found out that it was the FIRE lane. Linda, Judy, Val and Barb say they were truly blessed having Joann as their mother. She was gentle, yet strong. She never raised her voice, got mad, or complained. The values she instilled in her family with love and kindness will be cherished forever .A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Vanguard, Saskatchewan with Reverend Greg Kiel officiating. Urn Bearers were Linda, Judy, Val, Barb. Selected readings were given by Mark Heebner. Pianist Joan Williamson. Special music by Larry Taylor and Dawn Sands. Words of Remembrance by Brad Haubrich. Ushers Gary Empey and Jeff Hornung. A reception following the service was held in the lower church hall. Interment followed at Vanguard Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Vanguard Rec Board.