We Remember
ONGARO, Joan (nee Turcotte)
—
Passed from this earth into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on April 20, 2015 at the age of 72 years. Joan was born, along with her twin Jean, on January 31, 1943 in Mattawa, Ontario to Sidney & Colette Turcotte. They were the eldest of 11 children. Joan grew up mostly in Mattawa, Ontario, then left for Toronto where she met her lifelong love and companion, Max, from Summerland, BC. They were married in 1963 and moved to Rutland in 1968, where they raised their 3 children Denise (Monty) Scott, Dana (Doug) Howe and Dean (Kate) Ongaro.
In 1997, they started a new life in Fort St. John, where they made many good friends and adopted 3 grandchildren before moving back to Kelowna in 2002. They now have 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Joan will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings: Jean (Peter) Harcus, Jesse (Johanne) Turcotte, Anita (Henry) Turcotte, Colette (Peter) Stanisci, Earl Turcotte, Michael (Rhonda) Turcotte, Lynn (Mike) Turcotte, Glenn (Debbie) Turcotte; her sister-in-law, Jo-Ann (Tom) Knight and by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her church community. She was predeceased by her parents Sid and Colette Turcotte and sisters, Claudette and Catherine.
Joan will be remembered for her love of her family and country, her sense of style, vivacious and adventurous spirit, creativity, sense of humor, contagious laugh and her ability to love generously.
Abundant thanks to Dr. Carlyle, Dr. Hamm, and the incredible staff Brandt’s Creek Mews and The Village at Smith Creek. Your loving-care will never be forgotten.
Donations in Joan’s Memory can be sent to: Hope For the Nations 222 – 1889 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5 with a note specifying: Colima Children’s and Youth Homes or Brandt’s Creek Mews Residents Fund 2081 Cross Rd, Kelowna, BC V1V 2G2.
Family and friends are invited to come together to mourn our loss and celebrate Joan’s life at: Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church, 3714 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC on Saturday, April 25th; viewing at 10:30 am and service at 11:00 am.
Service
Saturday, April 25, 2015,viewing at 10:30 am and service at 11:00 am.
Location
Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church
Share with Others:
Hope For the Nations 222 - 1889 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5 with a note specifying: Colima Children’s and Youth Homes or Brandt’s Creek Mews Residents Fund 2081 Cross Rd, Kelowna, BC V1V 2G2.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ONGARO, Joan (nee Turcotte) is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2015,viewing at 10:30 am and service at 11:00 am.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church
3714 Gordon Drive Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Max and Family, We are sorry for your loss and happy for Joan to see the face of Jesus now.
Max,Denise, Dana,Dean,and families, I am so sorry. Joan will be dearly missed and very fondly remembered. As a child growing up with the Ongaros as neighbours meant that our house was blessed with Joan’s beautifully radiant smile and bubbly laughter.I will always remember her with the fondest of memories.
We send our deepest sympathy to Max, Denise, Dana, Dean, their spouses and children. Joan was a woman of family, of faith and fun. We will really miss her. With much love.
To Dean and his family,
Many years have passed since we last saw each other, but I am thinking of you now… I am very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, I remember how close you were with your family…
Sincere condolences to you and yours,
Terrell (Harasin) Bouma
Dear Max and family, Joan spread so much joy to others in her lifetime. She was truly one-of-a-kind and we’ll always remember her smile and keen sense of humour at our Senior’s gatherings.
We are holding all of you in prayer,
Jim and Marie Rolfe
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss, Max. We have many happy memories of the time you spent, first in our home, and in Fort St. John. Joan always had a ready laugh and you made a great team! May God give you comfort during your season of loss. Love, John, Norma, Larissa and Christy
Uncle Max, Denise, Dana & Dean & Families
I am very sorry for the loss of Auntie Joan she will be dearly missed. She will be fondly remembered for her love of family, beauty in her surroundings and her love of jewelry and cats. No one could speak more proudly of her family and home, and the joy she felt for each of her children. She often spoke of how happy she was for her family, whenever I talked with her. She reminisced about her past a lot, and found happiness in what was. She loved spring and the beauty of flowers, and the beach in the summer heat. Of course she loved her cats. She spoke of her cats often and how she couldn’t live without them especially her Sassy. I know that I will miss her greatly and will think of her often and of you. My thoughts are with you and the family. With heartfelt condolences.
Love Tracy Joan Harcus
Although I only knew her for a couple of years during my time in Kelowna, Joan (and all of her family!) warmly invited me into her their lives, shared their stories, and made me feel like I was one of them.
Although Joan’s loss is felt, her welcoming, joyful spirit I’m sure will remain with all of you, her family.
Although we are many miles away, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness & during the celebration of Joan’s life.
You are very precious to us and we have many fond memories of our time together.
Dear Max, Denise, Dana, Dean and your families,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Joan was such a remarkable, funny, joyful, loving person. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you all.
With all our love,
Vera, Larry, Justin and Adam Betuzzi
Dear Max,Denise, Dana, Dean & your Families: Please accept my condolences at the sudden loss of Joan. I know that she will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she has touched. I have many fond memories of her which I will cherish always. My prayers are with all of you.
Love: Peter Harcus.
I am so sorry and very sad to lose my God Mother, Auntie Joan.
She was always so enthusiastic and happy. She was always glad to hear from me and interested in what was happening in my life.
Our deepest condolences to all my cousins and to uncle Max, our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
I will miss Auntie Joan and I will always remember her fondly with much love.
With our deepest sympathy and with much love,
Michael and Ali Harcus
Max and family; we are so sorry for your loss…. We pray the peace of a God that passes all understanding over your family at this time of loss.. We love you, and will keep you in our prayers..
Love the Andersen Family..
Max and family ; We are so sorry for your loss, We pray the peace of God that passes all understanding would comfort your hearts at this time of loss…
We love you..
The Andersen Family…
Dear Max,
We are so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy and condolences, Rolli and Mary Cacchioni
Thinking of you at this time of loss to your family…..and many friends. I once had lunch with Joan; I will never forget it. She loved the beauty of God and mankind, and spoke of it. She shared precious words, and food, with me. It was a blessing. She loved her husband and their family. She was still in love with Max when I knew her in the ninties. Max, we remember you teaching a group in the church, then. May God grant you Peace and comfort. We shall always remember both of you. Love to all……Dave and Marge Bennett
Dear Max, Denise, Dana and Dean and family. We are sad to hear of Joan’s passing but happy for her that she is with Jesus having a wonderful time without earthly troubles. We remember Joan fondly. She was a wonderful caring fun.oving friend.
Dear Max, Dana, Doug, Denise, Dean and family.
I truly loved and appreciated the chance to get to know Joan. What a wonderful amazing woman. I will never forget you…nor your family and your neverending love and support for Joan! Her stories will never be forgotten. Thank you for allowing us at BCM to share time with such a wonderful woman. I apologize as I am on vacation so cannot make the service. I will be thinking of you all. Take care! Our lives crossed passed many years ago at VGH so perhaps they will again. 🙂
Dear Max and family,
We are very sorry to read of Joan’s passing. We have been out of touch with you and your family for many years but will always remember the love you all had for each other. Joan will always be remembered for her loving, kind and generous nature. May our prayers and sincere sorrow help to comfort you at this time. Love Dolly and Larry
Dear Max, Denise, Dana, Dean and Families. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I was always so happy to see Joan, she was always such a joy to be around. When I think of her lots of fond happy memmories come up which we will forever cherish.
With all our love,
Tim, Cecile, Dustin, Chantelle
Barb and I extend our heart felt sympathy to the Ongaro family in the loss of Joan. She was a kind, creative, fun loving woman of faith and she will be remembered by the Messaros family. Max, you introduced Joan to us early in our Toronto days together. A friendship of over fifty years. We will miss Joan but she will continue to have a special place in our hearts. Love Barb and Don
Dear Dean,
Stericycle would like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
The Stericycle Family
Dear Max, Dean, Denice Dana and your families;
My prayers and love are with you at this very sad time.
with love Dana
To Ongaro family,
It has been memorable for the renewed acquaintance of Joan during the past few months at Brandt’s Creek Mews masses, since her children’s school days with the Huang’s children. We will miss her and we offer our condolences to her family. (Peter & Pauline Huang and family).
Dear Anita and the entire Family and Loved Ones,
I am very sorry for your loss sending our deepest condolences to all of you on behalf of my family and myself. In these very sad and difficult moments, our thoughts and prayers are with you. With much love,
Soraya, Dena and Darya
Dear Max, Denise, Dana, Dean and families… We will miss Joan and everything about her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish the memories.
Max sending you our deepest sympathies. Joan was like another Mother to me. I will miss her so much. She was bigger than life and I’m so grateful she was there for all the most important moments in my life. As I’ve walked through my home this past week I’ve been overwhelmed by how many gifts and memories I have of her in our home. I’m grateful for the 100’s of pictures but this is the one from our last visit which was such a special day. I have cried many tears this week but have also remembered so many funny and warm times with my other Mom. I love you both very much. xo With All our Love Celena & Kevin
My dear Joan- so fun and loving. A wonderful sister and aunt. We’ll all miss you dearly.
Our heart goes out to you Max and family. We all had great times together. Love to all of you. Lynn, Mike, Laura, Rebecca and Gord
Dear Max and family, Dear “Mattawa cousins”, and Dear Lynn and Mike:
Our family is so shocked and saddened to hear of Joan’s death and we want you to know we are thinking of you all. Uncle Gene (my dad) said to tell you he was very sorry and sends his sympathies. The rest of us are praying for you and for the repose of Joan’s soul. We hope she is at peace and reunited with her sisters, Uncle Sid and Aunt Colette. I remember Joan’s kind heart, her love of Fifth Avenue jewelry (she almost made a sale with me 😀 ), and her warm smile. Such a wonderful woman! Heaven is blessed with her “homecoming”.
Love to you all,
Jackie (one of many Pembroke cousins)
Dear Max, Denise, Dana, Dean and families, We are so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, with our deepest sympathy and condolences, Aunt Pauline and family
So sorry about Joan, we will never forget about the time she spent on Webber and still miss and talk about all the fun we had with her. She will never be forgotten. God bless you Joan. Max,she will always be with you.
Loni and the staff of Webber
Village at Smith Creek
Our sincere sympathies for a Summerland boy Max. See you Saturday.
Dearest Max, Denise, Dana and Dean
May Joan’s love and laughter always fill your homes.
All my love,
Ralph
MAX & FAMILY
SORRY TO HEAR OF JOAN’S PARTING WILL ALWAYS
REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES SHE WORKED FOR ME.
RAYMOND KNUTSON
To Max and family:
I was sad to hear of Joan’s passing. I am so glad that I had the chance to visit with her recently. Over the years, I would run into her at the pool and she was so kind to offer me strength and support when I was going through the loss of my husband. I will miss her. Take care of yourself, Max.
Laurette Roth
We are sorry to hear the sad news of Joan’s passing, we send you all our deepest sympathies. We will always remember Joan’s fun loving ways and kind generous nature. We will cherish her friendship always.
Alan, Joan, David & Neil Thomas & family
Fond memories of Joan:
– She loved to dress up in bright colours and sparkles if possible.
– She loved to shop
– Big Macs could be the answer to life’s problems at times
– She loved her country and the best time to show this was July 1 when she had an entire outfit of Canada flags and colours to show her allegiance
– Joan was always willing to give her knowledgeable opinion about Canadian politics
– Getting to talk to Gary about U.S. politics was a delight
– You never really could predict what she was going to say the more outrageous the greater the number of laughs
– Joan had a very healthy enjoyment of sex and was always happy to share her knowledge with us
– She would always entertain us with her exploits when she was younger when we were at showers.
– Joan loved people and always had a kind word of encouragement
– She loved the Lord
– Family was important to her and she was very important to her family.
– Max treated her like a Queen
– Dana was an amazing daughter
– She will be greatly missed, but we have wonderful memories of her zest for life.
Love Karen & Gary
I am so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing.
I will always remember her fun, vivacious spirit. Joan always made me smile and laugh. Her hugs were unforgettable.
I will truly miss her.
My condolences,
Sue Schlief
Max I pray for comfort for you and your family. It is not easy losing someone so close but I pray God will give you the strength and hope you will need in the days to come. Joan is someone you never really forget. She makes such a big impact on the lives she touches. I am happy for her that she is in a better place and her health is restored. Lots of love and prayers to you all.
Heidi
Hi Max.. so very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. What a gift she was to all who knew her. I think it was her smile that drew me in.. then I got to know her beautiful spirit. Just know you and your family are in my heart and prayers as you move forward without Joan’s physical presence, but know she is in your heart since your first meeting.. Take care, Rosalie Chalmers.
To Max and family,
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Joan and we will forever cherish the many fond memories of her. Joan always brightened our day by her smile, her laugh and her encouraging attitude. Joan always possessed a heart for are son Robert and always inquired about him and said that she would continue to pray for him. For that we are forever grateful. Please accept our deepest condolences. We send our love and blessings to you Max and your entire family.
Ray, June Swenson & family