We Remember
LANOUE, Joan Dorothy
January 8, 1949 — December 9, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Joan Dorothy Lanoue, who passed away at the age of 75, while surrounded by family at the Central Okanagan Hospice House on December 9, 2024.
Joan is survived by her son Jason Lanoue (Andrea McLeod); grandchildren Chris Lanoue and Alicia Henderson (née Lanoue); great-grandchildren AJ Henderson; as well as many dear friends who will miss her deeply.
She now goes to join those who passed before her, including her parents Arthur and Margaret Hoffman; siblings Don Hoffman and Arlene Boudreau; first husband Larry Lanoue (d. 1989); and second husband Ernest Klose (d. 2022).
Joan was a remarkable woman known for her great sense of humour, sharp wit, and deep devotion to her family. Though small in stature, she made a big impact with her warm heart and sharp tongue. Joan took immense pride in her work with RCMP Victim Services and the Elizabeth Fry Society in Prince George, BC, and most recently at the Enderby BC FED food bank, where she dedicated her time to helping others.
During her years in Enderby, Joan formed cherished friendships, lovingly calling her circle of friends her “posse.” In her later years, she discovered a love for golf, which quickly became her favourite pastime. Joan also had a passion for travel, with Utah and Arizona holding a special place in her heart. Driftwood Canyon in Smithers was another favourite spot, where she delighted in watching her son Jason raise his family.
Joan’s family may have been small, but their bond was unbreakable. Her son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Andrea, along with their children, Chris and Alicia, were by her side as she passed away peacefully. Joan’s joy grew even greater three years ago when she became a great-grandmother, affectionately known as GiGi to her great-grandson, Alastair James.
Even in her final days, Joan’s sense of humour shone brightly. When asked to give life advice for AJ, she quipped, “If the police are after you, run like hell,” and “stay in school.” Her laughter and wisdom will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Family and friends will each honour Joan in their own ways. A Celebration of Life will be held in Enderby, BC, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Okanagan Hospice House or the Canadian Cancer Society.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
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Central Okanagan Hospice House or the Canadian Cancer Society Link: hospicehousekelowna.com, www.cancer.ca
Condolences
I came to know Joan quite well through the FED in Enderby. She felt like my own family. I will miss her so much, as well as so many other lives she’s touched. My deepest condolences to the family
I came to know Joan when she volunteered with Enderby’s Citizens on Patrol. Joan was always a joy to go out on patrol with and always made the nights enjoyable. She will be missed and her dedication to community was admirable. Keep them on their toes up there in Heaven Joan.
I was shocked to learn of Joan’s passing. I worked with her briefly at FED (Enderby Food Bank), where she greeted everyone with a smile. I was also fortunate to play a round of golf with her. My condolences to her family and friends.
Sending my deepest sympathy Joan was my cousin we would meet at our uncles at Leask Saskatchewan had great times together
Joan was such a wonderful person and a good friend of mine. I enjoyed many golf games and so many fun times with Joan. I will miss her so very much. My heart goes out to her family and friends at this time.
I will remember Joan as being a kind and loving person. I worked with her at the RCMP and at Vic Services. She was a kind and loving person, and I will miss her. She was a great friend and mentor.
I have known Joan for a long time. I remember babysitting Jason many years ago, and when we lived in northern B.C. we used to visit her sometimes. We even spent one Christmas with her & Ernie at my sisters in P.G. Sorry to hear of her passing. I’m sure she will be missed! Love & prayers.
I worked with Joany at E Fry, we had so much fun together, She would have many get togethers at her house, we remained friends after we stopped working there! The picture is Joany and I at Vanderhoof rock fest sporting our beer hats. I visited her in Enderby last year, we went thrift store shopping, it was a great visit. I will miss her fun sense of humour and her spunkiness, she was a gem❤️
When I first met Joan at FED, I thought she was an intelligent lovely woman. We hired her as our first paid employee and she did a marvellous job for us. Within a few weeks of working with her I came to realize that she was a force to be reckoned with. She did not suffer fools gladly for which I was grateful. we enjoyed working together and I will miss her presence in my life.
Jason and family,
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom.
She was a wonderful sister in law.
Our sincere sympathy