HAUGE, Joanne Gale

February 22, 1942 — March 12, 2022

Joanne Hauge went home peacefully to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 6:05 am. She is survived by her husband Penard “Pen” Hauge who was by her side, at home, when she took her last breath here on earth. Joanne had a full and wonderful life and leaves behind not only Pen, her husband of 58 years, but also three children: Stephen, Matthew (Carolyn) and Mary-Jane (Kevin); nine grandchildren: Amy-Leigh (Peter), Alexis (Robert), Jacob (Camille), Rachael (Bradley), Anneliese (Manuel), Cassidy (Michael), Chrisen, Victoria (Riley), and Capri; and nine great-grandchildren: Bryden, Ryan, Kallen, Owen, Lincoln, Ace, Rosie, Isaiah and Malachi. A testimony to a beautiful and rich family legacy.

In her last few days, she spoke with eager anticipation about heaven and was excited to see again her grandson Caleb, who went home to be with Jesus 21 years ago.

Joanne, our mom, lived a life of kindness, acceptance, and generosity. She will be remembered and missed most by her family who, because of her love for Jesus, made each one feel special, valued and of great worth. She was the “glue” that held us all together, planning family events/dinners for every birthday, holiday, and special occasion.

Mom was born in Peterborough, Ontario, on February 22, 1942, to parents Herbert and Mary Pullyblank (both deceased). She is survived by her brothers Harold (Keri) and David (Monique).

Mom had a happy childhood and loved exploring the lakes around her home, collecting turtles!  After high school, knowing as a young girl the Lord had called her to missions, she went to bible school in Regina, SK, where on the very first day of school she met Penard! Their courtship was blessed! They were married in Cobourg, Ontario in December 1963, and moved to Burnaby, BC.  During their first summer together as a married couple, they travelled by boat up and down the West Coast sharing the gospel of Jesus to remote villages, most only accessible by boat at that time.

In 1965, they settled down and started a family. Stephen was born in 1965, Matthew in 1967, and Mary-Jane in 1968. They moved from Mission, BC to Victoria, BC in 1979 where Mom continued to serve and travel with Woman’s Aglow as the International VP of Affiliations.  She travelled across Canada and internationally leading worship at their conferences along with her logistical work.

In 1986, Mom and Dad sold their home, put their belongings in storage, and joined YWAM International where they travelled the globe, again, bringing the practical gospel of Jesus to the most needy. This lasted for 10 years before returning to Victoria to take an active and loving role in the lives of their grandchildren

Mom was unconditionally kind and accepting, a quality she has passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In the Philippines she worked hands on with one of her favourite ministries, “Precious Jewels Ministry”, caring for aids infected babies and their mothers. In Victoria, she volunteered her time serving in many capacities and in many ministries.  One of which was PEERS, a ministry to street workers, where Mom would spend a day a week listening, loving, and teaching them to knit as they embarked on their journey to a better more whole life. In addition, Mom was a successful and energetic businesswoman, founding and running a beautiful destination wedding business called “Royal Victorian Weddings” for 10 years.

In 2018, Mom and Dad moved to Kelowna, BC to spend more time with Matthew and his family. One of Mom’s biggest highlights of her time here in Kelowna was the celebration of her 80th birthday on February 22nd of this year!  It was a wonderful celebration of her life with her granddaughters from Victoria and Kelowna sharing beautiful, humorous, and personal stories of the love she has surrounded them with over the years.

It was here in Kelowna, in 2020 that cancer was discovered in Mom’s body.  In May 2021, we were excited and optimistic that Mom’s cancer was gone, but in December scans revealed that it had returned.  Though not the way we were hoping, ultimately our prayers for healing for her were answered. With Dad by her side, she went home to be with Jesus on March 12, 2022.

Dad, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remember her as Joanne, Jo, Mom, and Gramma Jo; a remarkable example of what it means to “love” those around you. Her joy was steady, her faith resolute, and she faced life, with all of its challenges, with an optimistic outlook and adventurous spirit. There was no pretense with Mom, what you saw was what you got, kindness, acceptance, and practical love. Mom ALWAYS showed up to every event looking her stunning best, her clothes and scarves matching in vibrant, colourful jewel tones.  She always arrived holding a delicious treat – an armful of Christmas baking, a beautifully decorated homemade birthday cake, or waffles with all the fixings for brunch!  She never looked for thanks and was always the first one serving and cleaning up. She was special, her love was practical and unconditional, and she paid attention to the details… the small things that made her family feel loved. We will miss her every day.

There is no formal Memorial Service yet planned for Mom (stay tuned!), and in lieu of flowers and gifts to our family, we ask for a donation made “In memory of Joanne Hauge” to Precious Jewels Ministry.

We love you Mom.

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