JoAnn Elizabeth Foster

August 11, 1934 - April 3, 2022
JoAnn Elizabeth Foster (nee Roop) left us on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, sleeping peacefully at her residence in Armstrong, B.C. Although this was her last resting place, the Comox Valley was home to JoAnn for almost 60 years. She was in her 88th year.
JoAnn was born August 11, 1934 in Calgary, Alberta to parents Everett and Harriett Roop. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Michael, first husband Gary Foster, second husband Lloyd (Dutch) Franks and two sons; Jon and James Foster.
She leaves behind three nieces and their families; Debbie (Brian) Hunt, Jo-Ann (Larry) Horan and Susan Grimshaw. Resulting from her second marriage, also left to mourn, are many "step" children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
JoAnn lived life large, always game for an adventure, a joke or prank. She must have been a fun Mom because she once told me the kids got dessert first in case they were too full to enjoy it after their meal! JoAnn loved the spotlight and she was comfortable living in it, but she also graciously gave it over to others as needed. This was demonstrated over and over by the generosity she showed to her family, friends and strangers alike. She was a champion for those in need and she improved many lives as a result of this generosity.
An avid traveller, JoAnn saw the world from the decks of many a ship and enriched her experiences with interesting shore excursions. She treated every crew member with respect, often befriending those where a connection was made. Reaching platinum status with Holland America, she logged more than 85 cruises.
A talented seamstress and quilter, (the latter became a passion and a place where her talent and creativity shone); JoAnn was recognized with awards for some of her work and was featured in a quilting magazine for her "Millenium" quilt - a true masterpiece.
Gardening was another of JoAnn's loves and in particular cultivating rhododendrons. She and husband Dutch developed their own variety, aptly named "Dutch Treat". Their yard was a mini Butchart Gardens and a treasured spot to stop during the Rhododendron Society tours. Bus loads I remember! An achievement she was justifiably proud of was completing her Horticultural and Landscape Design degree through the University of Guelph - at age 65!
When her boys were young, JoAnn and first husband Gary spent a summer exploring the waters of the Strait of Georgia on the Eastern side of Vancouver Island. They travelled in a 16 foot powerboat, camping along the way. She wrote articles about their adventures and these were published in a popular boating magazine.
JoAnn was also talented in the kitchen, and in her younger years hosted many events for family, friends and various clubs. Her ham and turkey dinners were legendary!
A secretary for the BC Summer Games, a supporter and member of Kiwanis, an active participant in the Comox Valley car club and a lover of all things cats, JoAnn's interests and accomplishments were broad.
JoAnn was the last of her generation in our large, blended family. She will be dearly missed. Now it is our turn to live life to the fullest, keeping hers and the legacies of those who have gone before her alive.
A celebration of JoAnn's life will be officiated by the Pastor of her church, but held at The White Spot Restaurant in Courtenay, BC on April 23rd, at 2 pm. Please join us.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES® Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866

 Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services