In Memory of

Marie

Jo-ann

Bourdages-Coghlan

Condolences

Condolence From: Sarah Harper
Condolence: Dear Gerry, Erin and Sam, I'm so very sorry for your loss. It has been many years, but I have fond memories of spending time with Jo-Ann as a little girl at the camp in Cardinal Lake. Thinking of all of you, Sarah xo
Monday March 06, 2017
Condolence From: Craig Keating
Condolence: So sorry for your loss Sam, Erin, Gerry. I know how much Jo-Ann meant to all of you. She's a special lady to all that were lucky enough to have known her. Love to you all. xoxo
Monday March 06, 2017
Condolence From: Denise Bourdages
Condolence: Until we meet again sweet sister. I will feel your love in the warm breeze See your smile in the sweet blossoms and your remarkable courage in the rising sun. Your joy of life will shine on in the eyes of your beautiful children Erin and Sam. Your endless determination will inspire me to never give up. The incredible love and friendship your shared with Gerry has thought me the true meaning of compassion. You have been a true blessing in my life. From your little sister who will miss you tremendously. I love you with all my heart xoxoxo
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Gilles Legault
Condolence: Jo-Ann (the woman who spoke with crows) was full of life, hope and had a strong will. She was extremely funny, witty and so dynamic. She made us laugh and cry. Never met a person that was as strong and focussed as her. She was quite a beautiful and unique person. I am sure that Jo-Ann will always be an inspiration for all who had the privilege to be in her presence. All my sympathy goes to Gerry, Erin and Sam.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Deb Bourdages
Condolence: I met my future sister-in-law Jo-Ann and her brothers, sisters, mom, dad and various dogs at her home in Orleans, outside of Ottawa, Ontario, when she was 8 years old in grade school; while dating her brother. At about the same time she was making friends with her soon to be a lifelong friend Debbie, who was present at the service yesterday. Jo was different; I felt it and our bond grew. Jo relocated to B.C. with her guy and us easterners all attended her wedding to Uncle Gerry. Jo was magnetic, determined, honest, righteous and full of life. I slowly introduced her to the humour that I has experienced from my Scottish heritage, we laughed had fun and got silly. Auntie Jo had awesome family dinners, all the while keeping her siblings and family in the east updated with news from the west coast. Auntie Jo vowed to love her own children more than anyone. Auntie's nieces and nephews were coming in leaps and bounds and those nieces and nephews didn't get gifts like dolls or trucks - they got shovels, pails and free dirt. Jo and I played softball together and she was a super bat catcher for our team the "Orange Blossom Special’s" - sponsored by Orange Crush, who gave us all the pop the kids could drink. One year, Jo won MVP of the year. We attended lover ware parties, birthday parties, and reunions in the east at her parents cottage in Poltimore, Quebec. We babysat each other’s children and enjoyed our busy family relationship, played poker, had winter barbecues! (an independent pioneer woman thing I guessed lol), and we watched our children grow. I remember the plum fight Uncle Gerry and I had in the back yard on Edinburgh Street in New West and how Jo brow beat him into pressure washing a 1/2 block of plum stained houses. Even after Jo's debilitating disease began to increase, her lust for life strengthened. I remember her phoning me and asking me to join her at the Steely Dan concert in 1996 who was her favourite band at the time, (not really mine but had a great time with her). As our life's goals changed and our path forked, our relationship never changed, it just got busy and distant. I will miss Auntie Jo and her strong presence wherever she went. My own family knew her loved her and often spoke of her. She taught me a lot of things but I was older and she accepted my challenges. I so respected her family's expression of their love for her at her interesting and loyal celebration of life ceremony yesterday, and the bravery of Gerry, Erin and Sam for their tribute to a truly beautiful, natural women - and her legacy. It was so nice to see everyone, families coming together. I love you all.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Brian Jordan
Condolence: My deepest condolence to Gerry and family. May your lost one RIP.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Margaret Keating
Condolence: A dear sister-in-law who was more of a sister to all of the Coghlan family. She was loved deeply and will be missed deeply. 💕
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Diane Bourdages
Condolence: Dear Gerry, Erin and Sam, sincere condolences. May your memories and love help to lessen the hurt and the loss that you feel. May Jo-Ann's courage, strength and perseverance help you when you are in a difficult situation or feel discouraged. Jo-Ann will always be near you, just a thought away, you will feel her in your heart. Diane
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Diane Bourdages
Condolence: Ma chère chère Jo-Ann, tu vas me manquer, nos conversations, ton rire, tes bons conseils. J'oublierai jamais ton courage, ta persévérance et ton amour pour tous et toutes spécialement ta petite famille. Je t'aime énormément, repose toi maintenant. Ta grande sœur xxx
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Gisele Desormeaux
Condolence: Haven't seen Jo-Anne in many years, but it was a very sad moment to hear she passed. My condolences to the family and to the ones close to her.
Sunday March 05, 2017
Condolence From: Mireille (Desormeaux) Whyte
Condolence: So sorry to hear of Jo-Ann's passing. Thoughts and prayers for the family during this very difficult time. Je vous prie de bien vouloir accepter mes sincères condoléances.(Orleans, Ontario)
Saturday March 04, 2017
Condolence From: Lyse Bedard
Condolence: My sincere condolences to Gerry and family and Bourdage clan. Jo-Ann will be deeply missed she had amazing strength I a fortune te to have many found memories of my dear friend may she be at peace God bless
Saturday March 04, 2017
Condolence From: The Castonguay Cummings Family
Condolence: Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Our lives have been enriched by Joanne. We will miss her too. With much love Kim Monique Nicole and Renee
Saturday March 04, 2017
Condolence From: Linda
Condolence: Ma belle soeur, I will miss your smile your pride and your strength. When I've been struggling to find strength in myself I've only had to think of you and you gave it to me 100 folds over. Thank you for that. To your beautiful family "Gerry Erin & Sam" my heart is yours. She loved you more than words can express thank you for taking care of my big sister :) Love you Linda
Saturday March 04, 2017