April 9, 1957 - May 23, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jo-Anne Jolliffe, better known as "Joey". She now has wings to fly with the birds that she could only talk to before!
Joey was predeceased by her mom - Beverly Jolliffe , dad - Jack Jolliffe and brother Jay . She is survived by her spouse - Terry Esplin, brother- Jeff Jolliffe, sister - Jeri-Ilene (Neil) , nephews - Travis & Dustin and great nephews - Wes, Luca, Milo Goodbrand. Her best buddies of 50 years, Jennifer Frost and Sue Dean will never forget the friendship and laughs they've had in her lifetime!!
Joey grew up in North Vancouver. She was a bubbly little blonde with freckles and the cutest dimples ever. Eventually she became a spitfire and sports enthusiast at North Van High. Her claim to fame was being the fastest Guard the school had ever seen on the basketball court. Her team won the Vancouver and District Championship 2 years in a row and were always in top contention on the North Shore! Joey was very social and always the "LIFE" of the party with her schoolmates!!
Jo-Anne started her working career at the local Dairy Queen, she then moved uptown to the kitchen at Canyon Gardens, and eventually left Vancouver for Prince Rupert to work for Dillingham Construction. After a couple years away she moved back to Vancouver. Joey enjoyed a working vacation in Hawaii, and a sailing trip to the Canary Islands but eventually her dream of living in California tugged at her heart and she moved to Lake Tahoe where her favourite Aunt Helen resided. Joey met Richard and they married soon after - She always claimed it was a Business Arrangement - not a marriage - she wanted to be in the states and he wanted to be in Canada ? So after 10 years they moved to Comox - the arrangement dissolved - and Joey & her faithful dog Gizmo moved to the Oceanside area. There at Morningstar Golf Course Joey met Terry and they have been partners for l4 years. Joey, finally, was with "the love of her life" , Gizmo aside!! Together they made a cozy life on the Calla property and we thank her Landlords /friends , Norm and Debbie Ralkie and family for their love and support for Joey over the years .
Joey worked diligently at 'The Gardens" as a dietary aid and revealed her compassion to all the residence and staff. She always went that "extra yard" to make sure the elderly were being cared for properly with love and laughter. Jo-Anne had a huge heart, especially for the animals in her life - Gizmo, Bella, Piper, Sylvester. She made us all laugh and her laughter will help us to always remember her!
Terry and family would like to give a HUGE thanks to the Oceanside Community Care Staff, Ambulance attendants, and the DRs. And Nurses at NRGH for their outstanding attention given to Joey during all her health struggles in the last few years.
A Celebration of life will be held for Joey at a future date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the SPCA on Joey's behalf. There will be a tribute wall for Joey at qbmemorial.ca Thanks so much to the Qualicum Memorial for all their help and support!