Unexpectedly on October 27th, Joanne Patricia Merle Zeemel (nee Puhach) passed away at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. She is predeceased by her Mother Frances Puhach (nee Kantor), Father John Puhach and her Husband John Zeemel. She is survived by her sister Connie (Jim) Adlington, Daughters Pamela Loeb and Jennifer (Marco) Vogrig along with her grandchildren Lauren (Peter), RJ, Mason and Ashley and many nieces and nephews.
Joanne was born in Winnipeg, on November 4th 1943. She met her husband John and was married in 1966 and had 2 daughters. They moved to St. Francois Xavier and created a home that was always busy with friends, family and animals! Between chauffeuring her daughters around for sports, she managed to find time to volunteer at the community club, do some curling and build some great friendships. Ukrainian Christmas was never the same after the Shmata sisters celebrated!
After she retired from the Government of Manitoba in vehicle inspections, when she wasn’t traveling, she was knitting an afghan or making a quilt for a new family member, a friend, or really anyone that wanted one!
After her husband passed, she built the “Beach House” in St. Laurent where she spent a lot of time and watched a lot of sunsets, until she decided to move to Kenora Ontario to be close to her family. In Kenora she continued with her volunteering with The Hearts of Knox quilting, in the store at LOWDH and at the Seniors Center. She spent many hours watching her grandchildren play a plethora of sports and attended many Awards Banquets. She was very proud of all her Grandchildren and talking about them always put a smile on her face.
Two summers ago, she purchased Luna the pontoon boat and enjoyed while “Oh Capitan - -” drove her around Lake of the Woods sharing time with her niece Lisa (Luke) and nephew Rob (Crystal). They were both always there to lend her a helping hand whenever she needed it.
Her generosity and unwavering support of her family will be dearly missed – but the steak nights on Saturday night will always continue – Cheers (Di Bosha) Mom, we love you so much.
As per her wishes there will be no formal service but there will be a small family celebration of her life in the future.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Zeemel family.