Joanne Roberta Chesley

August 16, 1941 - July 14, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend on July 14, 2025 at the Poseidon Care Centre.

Peacefully in her sleep, Joanne completed her life’s journey and went to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 83 years. She will be dearly missed by Mel, her loving husband of 63 years; their children: Leanne (Wayne), Deborah (Stan), and Cheryl (Ryan); their grandchildren: Jaden and Alayna; Iain and Isabelle; Brianna (Josh), Avril, and Evan; brother Stan (Angela), niece, nephews, other family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Anita Gren (Grenzowski).

Joanne had a love for people of all ages and desired God’s best for them. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, looked forward to attending their school and extracurricular activities, and encouraged them in their life’s endeavours. She loved cooking and for many years she put on large dinners at home for family and friends. Her holupchi was in high demand. Joanne will also be remembered as an avid reader, and for her love for gardening and oil painting.

Joanne was born in Winnipeg and received her education at several North End schools. Her Christian Walk began at the age of 7 in accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Being an encourager and having a compassionate heart, she was drawn to lost, hurting and lonely people. Joanne took an active role in the formation of Women’s Aglow in Manitoba. She enjoyed teaching Bible studies and sharing the Word of God throughout the province.

Joanne’s desire to help people led her into the medical field. She graduated in 1961 from St Boniface General Hospital as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. She was selected in the pioneering of PAP smear cancer testing in Manitoba. Specializing in Cytology (cancer diagnosis), Joanne became the Teaching Technologist at St Boniface Hospital. When her children started to arrive, she took pleasure in being a stay-at-home mom.

Joanne lived an active and fulfilling life in serving God and people. Despite various health challenges as she aged, she looked forward to maintaining contact with people for whom she could encourage and pray.

The family wishes to thank her many doctors for their excellent care, and also the nurses and Helen at Poseidon Care Centre for their care given to Joanne.  A Celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on July 25 at 11:00 am at Church of the Rock, 1397 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg, with viewing prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made in her memory to Muscular Dystrophy Canada or Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation.