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JOANNE WASYLISHEN
Date of Passing: Aug 28, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOANNE WASYLISHEN
In the early morning hours of Friday, August 28, 2026, at Haro Park Centre in Vancouver, BC, my sister's earthly journey came to an end. A diagnosis of frontal temporal dementia resulted in a long and difficult goodbye. At the age 68 Joanne left us too soon.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Frances and Tony. She is survived by her sister Brenda (Brent), nephew Jason (Anna), brother Andrew (Julie), nieces, Cari and Heather, and many extended family and friends. Joanne's friends, Andy and Sharon stepped up from the beginning and were a major help during her illness. I will be forever grateful for their support and friendship.
Joanne was born in Winnipeg and moved to Vancouver in her twenties. She also lived in Toronto for some years before returning to Vancouver. Joanne loved spending time at Kitsilano Beach as well as walking and cycling along the Seawall. She had an eye for design that led to a career as an art consultant. Joanne enjoyed music, good comedy, loved to laugh, and easily made others laugh as well. She was strong, fiercely independent, adventurous, and enjoyed travelling. She would often comment on the beauty of the natural world.
A special thank-you to the staff at Haro Park Centre for their compassionate care.
If one so desires, donations in memory of Joanne may be made to Haro Park Centre in Vancouver.
There will be a private gathering in her memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2026
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My condolences to Joanne's friends and family. We were friends in our teens and twenties in Winnipeg. I thought she was so beautiful and had a great laugh, quick wit and an artist's soul. I was sad to hear of her passing but I hope wherever she has transitioned to, she is once again laughing with that mischievous twinkle in her eyes. - Posted by: Cheryl Gordon (Friend) on: Oct 07, 2026
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On behalf of the Haro Park team, it was both an honor and pleasure to get to know Joanne and also care for her. She will be missed by all those who were able to connect with her. - Posted by: Tony Szeto (Haro Park Centre) on: Sep 18, 2026
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Brenda I am so sorry for your loss. This was such sad, sad news for me to hear! I spent so much of my high school years with Joanne. We were in the same classes. I lived close to the school and we always hung out at my house during spares and lunch hour. We listened to music and had so much fun together, always happy & sharing some laughs. She was an absolute wonderful person! I often thought of her as the years went by and wondered where she ended up. I always hoped I would see her one day at one of the Garden City reunions. There are no words…. Karen Westman - Posted by: Karen Westman (Friend from School) on: Sep 14, 2026
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Brenda and family, so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of spending lots of time with Joanne when she lived in Toronto. Her and Pam were so much fun to be around. She spent many holidays at our home as she was like family when she lived here. Hopefully your memories of your sister will give you comfort during this sad time. - Posted by: Harriet Greenberg (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2026
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Spent time with Joanne in GCCI and later on when she managed a shop at Stafford and Grosvenor in Winnipeg …so long ago, yet many great memories of her joyful laugh and great attitude about life. There was never a dull moment in conversation with Joanne! I’m sure as her life progressed away from Winnipeg she made many close and supportive friends. It was hard not to like her. Rest easy bright thing…you did good… - Posted by: Jeff Monk (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2026