Obituary of JOANNE HUZEL

JOANNE HUZEL

December 18, 1942 - July 17, 2024

Joanne passed away peacefully at Holy Family Home with family by her side on July 17, 2024 at the age of 81.

She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence in 2022. She is lovingly remembered by her children Leanne (Steve), Lisa (Kyle), Leah (Mike), and Jeff (Jeri), grandchildren Amy, Ben, and Riley, sisters Mary Lou (Andy) and Patricia (Brian), brother-in-law Ken (Maureen), sister-in-law Rozina (Mark), numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and special friends.

Joanne was born in Winnipeg to Josephine and Louis Ozohan. She grew up in Winnipeg’s North End and graduated from Sisler High School. She met her future husband Lawrence at a wedding in 1960, and they were married on August 11, 1962. They raised their family in St. James before moving to Tuxedo, where they resided into retirement. Despite the kids’ busy schedules, she found time for volunteering (Girl Guides, Parent Council), gardening, ceramics, knitting and curling. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Falcon Lake, where Joanne enjoyed cooking and entertaining family & friends.

Joanne’s first job was at Deer Lodge Hospital.  After her children were in school she worked at the Grace Hospital until she got a job as an Educational Assistant in the St.James-Assiniboia school division.  She spent the majority of her time working in the CLASS program at Sturgeon Creek Collegiate where she used her compassion to encourage students with behavioural challenges through their high school years.  In retirement she continued to share her skills as a substitute EA working with students with disabilities. For her dedication she was recognized with an award from the Council for Exceptional Children. Many life long friends were made over these years. 

Joanne was immensely proud of her Ukrainian heritage. The family attended St Basil's Church, where she was involved with many parish activities including Ukrainian dancing, teas and fundraising dinners. She was a long time board member of St Nicholas Mutual. In 1983, Joanne joined Holy Family Home Ladies Auxiliary and began many years of service. After a lengthy tenure on the Advisory Board, she was made an honorary life member in 2003.

Retirement provided more time for perfecting recipes, entertaining and traveling. Joanne and Lawrence visited many places in North America and Europe. They were able to spend several American Thanksgivings in California with sister Mary Lou and family. Joanne made two memorable trips to Ukraine to connect with her father’s family.  Once she became a grandmother, she didn’t hesitate to drop everything to look after Amy, Ben, and Riley, who fondly remember having fun and being spoiled at Baba and Gigi’s house. Baba & Gigi were front and centre at numerous recitals, sports events and school ceremonies. Once her health required her moving to Holy Family Home, Joanne continued to enjoy recreational activities, most recently at Paint Nights, where she was once again able to showcase her artistic abilities.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to all those who visited Joanne over her 7 years at Holy Family, the staff of Holy Family, especially her caregivers on St Mary’s Unit, and the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate. Special thanks to Drs. Taras and Andrea Babick for their care and compassion.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Monday August 12, 2024 at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg with Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM and Fr. Bohdan Lukie, CSsR officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made in Joanne’s memory to Holy Family Home c/o Lubov SSMI Foundation.