JOANNE PATRICIA SCHWEITZER (CONDON)

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JOANNE PATRICIA SCHWEITZER (nee CONDON) At the age of 46, Joanne Patricia Schweitzer, of Regina, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, of breast cancer. Joanne was predeceased by grandparents James Condon Sr., Germaine (Carrière) Condon and Clara (Salamon) Maloney, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by Gord, her husband of 23 years; daughter Michelle and son Craig of Winnipeg, and son Brian of Regina; parents Jim and Eileen Condon of Regina, sister Kelly (Gary) Sherlock of North Vancouver, brother Darryl (Karen) Condon of North Vancouver; grandfather William Maloney of Regina; parents-in-law Arnold and Jennie Schweitzer of Prairie River, SK, sister-in-law Laurelle (Kevin) Borstmayer of Prairie River, brother-in-law Bret Schweitzer of Calgary, nieces Holly, Heather and Laurel Sherlock, Kate Condon, Lacey Borstmayer, nephews Niall Condon, Jared and Jayden Borstmayer; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Joanne was born in Regina on October 19, 1961, and received her education at St. Matthew's Elementary School and Marian High School before graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1983. She also received an MBA from Athabasca University in 2000. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She had a successful career as a Registered Dietitian in various locations across the prairies including Kindersley and Tisdale in Saskatchewan, Edmonton and Grande Prairie in Alberta and most recently in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Gord and Joanne's careers involved residence in several communities, and they both maintained lasting friendships with people from many areas of Canada. Joanne was an excellent cook and welcoming hostess to all visitors. She was an avid reader; and loved to travel (especially if shopping was involved). Her many needlework projects are treasured by their recipients. Her love of chocolate (and an occasional glass of red wine) is well known! From the first diagnosis of breast cancer in June 2001, Joanne has bravely, honestly and courageously faced every challenge presented to her on this journey with cancer. In the last few years, these were especially frequent and difficult, but she managed to keep smiling and maintain a positive attitude. She endured the many painful surgeries and treatments with grace. Her amazing strength was an inspiration to everyone around her, and to those who maintained contact from a distance through her blog or e-mail. Through online groups or by personal contact, she was a tireless supporter to others facing similar challenges, and provided encouragement to individuals throughout the world. Joanne's family is forever indebted to the many caring and compassionate individuals at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, especially Dr. Chalchal, John and the other nurses, as well as the volunteers and other staff. And to the personnel of the Regina Palliative Home Care program, we are forever grateful. Without exception, these dedicated caregivers provided continuous support in an efficient and dignified manner, always considerate of Joanne's welfare and needs. Special thanks to Lorraine and the other home care nurses, and to Louise, Cliff, Barb, Danae, Joan, and all the other caring people who constantly helped us at home and in hospital. Thanks also to the compassionate and caring staff at Pasqua Hospital in 3B and 3A. Joanne also received excellent care and treatment under cancer programs in Alberta and Manitoba. Thank you to Janice Siemens and her family in Winnipeg for their never-failing support to the entire family. Special thanks also to Anne Bosgoed, and all the Book Club members for their constant support. To that special group of Joanne's sisters at breastcancer.org: thanks for your never-failing love and support. Joanne was grateful for all the good wishes, prayers and support received from family and friends everywhere. There are hardly words to convey the depth of our gratitude to everyone. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Victoria Avenue Funeral Home, 2080 East Victoria Avenue, Regina, led by Palliative Services Chaplain Cliff Geiger. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, Father Ken Koep officiating. Joanne will be buried in Lebret, where a private service for family members will be held. In lieu of flowers, it was Joanne's wish that donations be made either to Regina Palliative Care Inc., 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina S4T 1A5, or to the Joanne Condon Schweitzer Scholarship in Nutrition in care of Lisa Green, Development Officer, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, 110 Science Place, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C9. Arrangements entrusted to Victoria Avenue Funeral Home, Regina, SK (1-800-900-1161).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2008