JoAnne Ellen Kivimaki passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Monday, June 19, 2017.
She was born on Oct. 14, 1953 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Eviend and Connie Haugo. She received her education in Fort Frances.
She and Larry met in July, 1969 and were united in marriage on July 21, 1973, travelling the road of life for 48 years—44 of those years as a wife and mother.
She trained as a registered nursing assistant with her best friend, Mary, and worked at LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances for several years until the birth of her son, Christopher.
Four years later, she was blessed with a daughter, Jennifer.
With both children in school, JoAnne worked at Betty’s, then took employment with Brockie’s Jewellers for 26 years. She enjoyed the company of her co-workers and thought highly of Tyra, Ruth, Tracy, and Elaine, Mr. Brockie, and Ted and Ruth.
She took an early retirement due to health-related issues.
JoAnne is survived by her husband of 44 years, Larry; son, Christopher (Sarah) and grandchildren, Scott and Ann Marie; and her daughter, Jennifer Kivimaki (Jordan Fournier) and their daughters, Jorja and Marjaana (Jaana).
She also is survived by her sister, Janice Haugo, and her brother, Ted Haugo, and his sons, Clay and Thomas.
She will be fondly remembered by her co-workers at Brockie’s and her special friends, Mary and Gerry Polz, and Wendy Bell.
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held.
The family gratefully requests that in memoriam donations be made made to the Chemotherapy Unit at La Verendrye Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
