Obituary of Joanne Weiss

Joanne Wynne Weiss passed away on December 30, 2020, at the Regina General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Joanne was born on December 17, 1943 and raised in Regina, SK. After graduation, she completed her Business/Secretarial course at Belfour Tech. From 1962 to 1965 she worked for Provincial Government with the Municipal Road Assistance Authority. She married her soulmate Walter Wiess from Jansen, SK on May 22, 1965, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina. They lived in Kindersley for 4 years where Walter took a Journeyman Gasfitter apprentice training job and Joanne worked for the School Division Office. On Feb. 3, 1968, their son Bradley was born. In 1969, after Walter received his certificate, the family relocated to Assiniboia, SK. This would become their forever home. Their daughter Pamela was born July 12, 1973, and daughter Brenda arrived on April 16, 1976 completing their family. When the kids were older Joanne worked as the church secretary at the Messiah Lutheran Church. A position she held for fourteen years. Joanne also held various executive and teaching positions within the church throughout her time in Assiniboia. She was exceptionally community-minded, an outstanding volunteer, and was the recipient of many special awards. In 1983, she received the Honourary Kinette Award, in 1988 the Canada Certificate of Merit “Celebrate 88”, in 1993 the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association Volunteer Recognition Award, in 1996 the Badlands Regional Volunteer Recognition Award, in 1998 OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils) Volunteer Recognition Award, in 2012 the OSAC Life Membership Award, in 2016 the Welcome Wagon International Award and in 2015 the Shurniak Gallery Life Membership award.  She was a member of the Assiniboia Recreation Association, member and secretary of the Assiniboia Civic Improvement Association, Co-ordinator for Art & Book Auction with Palliser Regional Library board, member of Assiniboia and District Music Festival Association and executive member of Aquariums Swim Club. Joanne was proud to call Assiniboia home and was thrilled when the town was awarded the 2005 Western Canada’s Community of the Year. Joanne had a great love for her family, a very generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand. She will be dearly missed.

Joanne is survived by her husband Walter Weiss; son Bradley Weiss (Zahra Jeirani) and granddaughter Vania; daughter Pam (Jason) Kraus and grandchildren Darby (Ben), Abigail (Alex) and Julian; daughter Brenda Weiss; brothers Keith (Tracey) Houseman and Malcolm (Donna) Houseman; sisters-in-law Nelda Issel, Ella Loberg and Rhonda (Darren) Burback; brothers-in-law Vic (Margaret) Weiss, Bruno (Marjorie) Weiss, Mervin (Debbie) Weiss and many nieces, nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Ralph and Gwevril (nee Mackay) Houseman; brothers-in-law Irvin Issel, David Loberg and Norman Weiss. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private Funeral Service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.  Donations in Joanne’s memory may be made to the Assiniboia & District Arts Council, Box 1596, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0 and Messiah Lutheran Church, Box 536 Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0.  A live stream for this service will be available on Piche Hawkins Grondin Funeral Chapels Facebook page five minutes prior to service time.  To view please click the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/Piche-Hawkins-Grondin-Funeral-Chapels-553681657999926.  Thereafter, the service can be viewed on the funeral chapel website.