Obituary of Joanna Mary DeVuyst

Joanna Mary DeVuyst 1970 - 2012 Joanna Mary DeVuyst (nee: Parslow), known by friends and family as Joanne and Auntie Jo-Jo, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia passed away October 21, 2012 at noon at the age of 42, surrounded by her family. A celebration of Life service was held on Friday, October 25st, 2012 at St. Mark’s Anglican Church. Joanne was born October 3, 1970 at noon in Murrayville, BC to Charlie and Mary Parslow, the first born of four daughters. As a child she lived in Langley, Sooke, Fort Nelson and since the 5th Grade, lived in Dawson Creek. She graduated from South Peace Secondary School in 1989 and trained at Northern Lights College as a Long Term Care Aide. Joanne had a gift of being able to help those marginalized by handicap or poverty. Joanne and Lynsey were married in 1994 and were blessed with the birth of Brandon in 1996. Since that time, Joanne has been a devoted, protective mother and enjoyed working as a Teacher’s Aide in Grimshaw, Alberta, and volunteering with Brandon’s Tae-Kwon-Do club. Miya and Jasmine were a longed for gift for Joanne; they are her little angels. They delighted her with ballet performances and spontaneous kitchen dance parties. Joanne and Lynsey often took their kids camping and fishing and she had a special fondness for Slave Lake, where Lynsey had proposed. Joanne was thoughtful and persevering, and devoted 100% to her family. She was feisty and brave; if she was going to do something, it was going to get done...and done her way! Auntie Jo-Jo had a special relationship with each of her nieces and nephews. She found the time to do that something extra special with each of them. She put her family first and they were her constant motivation to persevere through the challenges of having cancer. Joanne is lovingly remembered by her family Lynsey, Brandon, Miya and Jasmine; Parents Charles and Mary Parslow; Sisters, Jane (Steven) Connelly, Bethany (Fred) McAndie, Rebecca (Steven) Croft; Nieces and Nephews: Jared, Bethany, Cameron, Ben and Ryan. A special thanks to Dr. Stephen Ashwell, Leslie Joy, Lila Anderson and Trish O’Connell for their amazing support and friendship. In Memory of Joanne, donations can be made to the Dawson Creek Hospital Foundation – Cancer Unit 11100 – 13th Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3W8 ~ If sisters were flowers, I’d still pick you. I’d let the sun shine so you’d never be blue. I’d show the world how beautiful you grew with bright bold colors and strength through and through. ~ JBR