Joanne Gris 1955 - 2015
Joanne Gris passed away peacefully at home in Kamloops on September 12, 2015 with her husband at her side after an 11 year courageous battle with cancer. Joanne was born on March 28, 1955 in Fernie, British Columbia.
Joanne was a bright student who graduated from Sparwood High School and attended both Capilano and Cariboo College where she obtained her Outdoor Recreation Degree. She also obtained her Social Work Degree while working full time and raising three children, receiving the Silver Medal for highest marks while doing so.
Joanne was a great leader who focused on her career with passion and integrity, retiring from the Ministry of Social Development after 33 years of Provincial Government Service. She then went on to work for Community Living Services for several years before spending her remaining years mainly travelling to Phoenix, Mexico and Alaska with family. She most of all enjoyed her summers spending time at the family cabin on Kootenay lake in Nelson, BC.
Joanne also thoroughly enjoyed athletics and the outdoors. She loved to go on walks and eventually entered walking marathons in various places. She was a proficient Racquetball player in her earlier years and would enter competitive tournaments where she would often win the Kamloops Doubles City Championship. She enjoyed her years playing indoor and outdoor soccer and really enjoyed playing broomball where she competed in several National Championships. Joanne and her husband would travel the Province both playing in various tournaments, bringing their children with them who would be commonly referred to as rink rats.
Joanne had the most contagious smile which was always prevalent when spending time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She will be greatly missed as she was a true gem with special qualities for exemplifying how life should be lived.
Joanne is pre-deceased by her mother Emma Gris and father-in-law Don Fraser. Joanne is survived by her father Remigio Gris, mother-in-law Dawn Fraser, husband Wayne Fraser, daughters, Brittany Parker (Alex) and Michelle Fraser, son Joshua Fraser (Cassie), grandchildren Liam Fraser and Mackenzie Laing, brothers Rick Gris (Shari) and Randy Gris (Mary), sister Linda Latka, brother-in-law Blair Fraser (Brenda), sister-in-law’s Donna Fraser (Bill) and Judy Carvish (Brian), and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life service at the Calvary Community Church, 1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC on Saturday, September 19th at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
www.cbcf.org/bc