JOANNE STANDELL, of Milk River, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, with her family by her side, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the age of 77 years.

Joanne was born in Magrath Alberta to Robert and Alta Harker on July 8th, 1946. She grew up on the family farm in Magrath and was the oldest of her eight siblings.

“Joni” attended trade school in Nelson, BC, and later found herself moving across the country to Ottawa, where she worked in the beauty industry. “Jo” moved back west to Calgary, where she met Ken, the love of her life. They married in March of 1972 and welcomed their first child Kristin later that year. The family moved to Cranbrook in 1974, where they discovered their passion of renovating homes and later welcomed their son, Kevin. “G” was a very dedicated mom and was often found at school helping out, coaching ball, or at the local arena cheering on her kids. She was the mom that would stay up late baking cupcakes for school, and her caring demeanor is what led to her being asked to be the President of the Cranbrook Figure Skating Club, which she did with great pride.

“Josie” was very athletic and enjoyed a variety of sports. While living in Cranbrook, “Mom” was an avid curler and played in both the mixed and ladies leagues. No matter where “Josie” and her team ended up, they always left an impression, especially their humour, costumes and pranks.

“Little Joey” did it all, not only was she athletic, she was also a talented and capable entrepreneur with a strong work ethic. She built her own successful business, first in the beauty industry, and later in real estate, when the family relocated back to Alberta. Later in life, “JoJo” semi-retired on a beautiful acreage where she enjoyed all her animals, specifically her ducks and dogs. In 1998, “Joni” became “Noni” as she welcomed her first grandchild, Charlie, with whom she shared a very special bond with right from the get go.

When Joanne was only 56, she was diagnosed with stage four cancer, she dug in deep and battled a long hard fight. Ken retired early and was by her side through her courageous battle. We are beyond grateful to all of her medical staff, surgeons, and the science and technology that helped get her through and led to an additional 20 plus years of cherished memories. This additional time led to “Noni” meeting her youngest granddaughter, Liberty, and sharing a special California holiday in 2022.

“Joey” had so much passion for life and found beauty in everything. Her legacy will carry on forever reminding us to live a life with courage, humour and a positive attitude and to always have them guessing,.. what’s her name 😉 Joanne will be greatly missed by her loving husband Ken; children: Kristin (Jeff) and Kevin (Thedda); her grandchildren: Charlie (Corey) and Liberty; her siblings: Gordon Harker, Betty-Jean (Jim) Porter, Russ (Janie) Harker, Clayton (Gloria) Harker, Karen (Ralph) Seeman, her “sister” cousin Heather, and her sisters-in-law Betti (Geoff) Weiss and Barb (Bob) Little; as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

At Joanne’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in loving memory of Joanne Standell, directly to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 19 Street S. Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-04-20
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta