JOSEPHINE (JO) MARY LEE

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JOSEPHINE (JO) MARY LEE It is with great sorrow and a deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Jo Lee on November 23, 2006. Surrounded by her children, Gord, Laurie and Diane, our mother left this world gracefully and peacefully to join her beloved husband Chuck Lee who predeceased her in June of 2002. Cherishing her memory are Gord (Lynn), Laurie, and Diane (Joe) Lee-Sousa and grandchildren, Tomas, Olivia, Julia, Lily and Jackson. She is survived by brothers and sisters, Ferris Baba, Eve (Steve) Voydat, Genevieve (Joe) McKay, Jewel (Bill) Chambers, Tom (Ruth) Baba; in-laws, Robert (Joyce) Lee, Leonard (Lorraine) Lee, and Faye (John) Sundholm; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jo was predeceased by her parents Ajaj Baba and Lilian Salome Baba. Jo was born in Rush Lake, SK. The family moved to Swift Current when Jo was in her early teens and she lived there until her marriage to Chuck in 1961. Soon after, they relocated to Winnipeg, and spent the next 25 years raising their family in Windsor Park, before settling in Southdale . Jo was a wonderful stay-at-home mother but once her children were in school, she needed to direct her determined energy in the most positive of ways. Jo was the ultimate volunteer. She actively participated in the Kidney Foundation as Regional Director for the Winnipeg door-to-door campaign; she was instrumental in launching one of the first Multiple Sclerosis Society carnation campaigns; and she served the Canadian Diabetes Association for years. Her enthusiasm would ensure that family and many friends would also take up her many causes. Later in life, she found immense joy in helping new immigrants to Canada while volunteering with the Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Winnipeg. Mom had a passion for many things in life, politics was certainly one of them. She was active in every facet of the process. From the start of enumeration to the vote on election day she was connected every step of the way. She was an energetic Conservative through and through. She volunteered her time and enthusiasm to many candidates in Federal, Provincial and Municipal election campaigns. Sometimes successful, sometimes not, but always involved. For as long as anyone can remember, Jo was actively involved in the community. With a great love of sports, she was an avid supporter of her children's activities from softball to hockey, from swimming to football. Jo served as the President of the St. Boniface Football Association, and later on the Board of Directors for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. She, herself, was a dedicated curler as a member of the St.Vital Curlettes for over 20 years. Let it be known that the Saskatchewan Rough Riders has lost one of their most passionate fans. Above all, the center of Jo's life was her family. Her husband and children have had the great fortune of a life-time of unconditional love and support. Her devotion to those she loved most was unquestionable. Despite a diminutive stature she was always a giant in our hearts. She was the Chairman of our Board, the Sargent at Arms and without a doubt the number one cheerleader. Dad had a say in a few matters but Mom had the final say. By the grace of God she brought each of us children into this world and showed us what love is. We will be forever grateful. Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to many friends and family members for their acts of kindness and expressions of love. A special thank-you to Jo's sister Jewel Chambers, lifelong friend Marnie Forgay, Debbie Jobin and Mary-Lou at the Rosewood Village, all of whom brought particular joy to Jo in the last years of her life. We appreciate the compassion of Dr. Tomy and Dr. Cavers and all the staff on the 5th floor at the Victoria Hospital. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27 at St. Mary's Road United Church, 613 St. Mary's Rd. with Rev. Susan Tough officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in memory of Jo Lee to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway - 783 7211 www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2006