Jo-Anne

Friends

On Friendship: Thoughts From A Friend

Jo-Anne’s circles of friends extends from her next door neighbours to halfway around the world , and everywhere in between.The circle has grown throughout the years with Jo’s moves (Prince George, Victoria, Sidney), with jobs that took her across the country (Manager, FederalProvincialRelations), travels that opened doors to lasting friendships abroad (Scotland, Italy), interests that connected her with like-minded people locally and remotely (S Carolina Southern Serial Killers, Sqaich Club). Everyone in Jo’s circle of friends knows how fortunate we are to have had her in our life and I’m sure, for us to have been a part of hers. Jo’s memory will always connect us to this circle.

Jo also inspired the spontaneous formation of groups, always with a name: The Ladies Housing Society, the Retired Government Galz Knitting Group, the Facebook Virtual Viral Book Club.

Friendship for Jo wasn’t limited to humans. It included feathered and furry creatures as well. Jo’s backyard in her Sidney home was a sanctuary for numerous species of birds who filled her days with their songs right outside her kitchen window. Her love of dogs is legendary — the lovable Holly, the regal Sheba, and the gentle, accepting foster dogs such as Max who had the good fortune to pull Jo’s card. Jo was a passionate animal lover and a strong and vocal vocal animal protection advocate. I’m certain they miss her presence already.

Val Sovran Mitchell