Joanna Térèse Lapthorne

With great sorrow, we announce that our beloved JoJo passed away on December 3, 2022, after a brave, four-month battle with cancer.

Joanna will be deeply missed by her parents, Carolyn and Brian; her sister, Mary Frances (Maxx); her niece and nephew, Aneesa and Gabe, and their dad, Tim Skuce; her dear friend, Monte Coates; her best friend forever, Michelle Groff and her family; and friend, Lani Calmusky; aunts, uncles, and cousins in Calgary, Southern Ontario and Dallas, Texas also mourn her loss.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from the University of Alberta, and a successful internship for her Registered Dietician designation at London (Ontario) Health Sciences Centre, Joanna returned to southern Alberta. She worked in long-term care until she landed her dream job at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary where she worked in the nephrology department. Her absence is already greatly felt by her colleagues, patients and staff.

Joanna will be remembered for her vivacious personality, quick wit and sense of humour, and generosity towards others. Often the life of the party, she packed a lot of joy into her 43 years. Jo loved weekend getaways and live music concerts with her health-care girlfriends, golfing and cross-country skiing with Monte, pub life and karaoke with Michelle and friends, and being together with family for Sunday dinners.

Carolyn and Brian are grateful to JoJo’s special caregivers, Michelle, Lani, Monte, and Mary Frances, for their compassionate support during her cancer diagnosis. The family would also like to thank Dr Galloway from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and Drs Gohel, Hui, and Leung at South Health Campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alberta Children's Hospital. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Bonaventure Church (1600 Acadia Drive SE) on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Following the Funeral Mass, family and friends are invited to meet with the family in the Parish Hall.