It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, sister, aunt and friend, Joanne on January 10, 2024. Joanne passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and friends. Joanne put up a courageous 5.5 year battle against cancer but she ultimately succumbed to its relentless grasp.
Born to Joe and Alice Dolynuk, Joanne grew up in a warm and nurturing home in Kamloops. Her parents instilled in her the values of compassion, kindness and determination, which would shape her remarkable journey in life. Joanne was predeceased by her parents.
Joanne was a loving and devoted wife, soul mate and best friend to her husband Paul LeComte. Theirs was a love story that spanned decades, filled with laughter, shared dreams and unwavering support. Joanne and Paul were true partners in life, cherishing each other’s company and building a beautiful life together.
Joanne was also a cherished sister to Graham Dolynuk (Kamloops) and Colleen Olmstead (Dolynuk) Sydney Australia. They shared a bond that was unbreakable, supporting each other through life’s highs and lows. Joanne was a source of strength and inspiration for Graham and Colleen.
As an aunt to her nephews and nieces, Joanne played a significant role in their lives. She showered them with love, guidance and wisdom, becoming a source of comfort and guidance. Joanne cherished every moment spent with her nieces and nephews, creating memories that will live on in their hearts forever.
After completing her nursing education at The Royal Jubilee Hospital and the University of Victoria, Joanne embarked on a long and fulfilling nursing career in Victoria. She dedicated herself to caring for others, providing comfort and support during their most vulnerable moments. Her patients and colleagues remember her as a beacon of light, always going above and beyond to ensure their well-being.
Joanne was a valued member of the Uplands Golf Club family.
Joanne will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warm smile, gentle touch and compassionate nature will forever remain etched in our hearts. Though she may be physically absent, her spirit will continue to guide us as we navigate life’s challenges.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those have cared for Joanne over these last 5.5 years- Dr. Jennifer Lush (GP), staff at the Victoria Cancer Clinic, Dr. Bosma, Dr. Saltman, Home Care Nurse, Julianna Austin-Olsen.
Additionally we would like to thank all who have shown their love and support during this difficult time. Your kind words, gestures and presence have brought comfort to our hearts. May we find solace in the memories we shared with Joanne.
In honor of Joanne’s memory a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Graham Taylor
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Anne Marshall Paul and family,
Joanne was such a warm and friendly neighbour — we have fond memories of conversations over the years about gardens and homes as she was out walking Spinner. Her warm smile and positive outlook were always a delight.
Anne and Nick Marshall
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Christina Berlanda Holding you all in my heart as you remember Joanne. I worked with Joanne when she was a nurse manager on several nursing practice initiatives. She was a mentor to many, always keeping those in our care and the people caring for them at the centre. She brought a gentle presence, but was also a strong voice for nursing, interprofessional care and excellence in practice. She taught me much about deep listening, asking good questions, and keeping focussed on what matters. May you find comfort in the coming days in memories of the good times.
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Kenneth Wilson (BC Cancer Agency) Very sorry to learn about Joanne. I knew her from her RP1 days and a small part of her cancer journey. She was a lovely, dignified person. Sending condolences to her family.
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Kathi Ells My sincere condolences during this difficult time, Paul. May you find comfort from your memories and peace during this healing time.
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Dennis Dale Paul,
Very sorry to hear of your wife Joanne’s passing. It’s a tremendous loss and I wish you well on your journey ahead without your best friend. My sincere condolences.
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Deirdre Hi Paul
Sending you our condolences. Joanne was a fabulous lady and I know you will miss her dearly. You were such a great couple and your love for each other was a joy to be around. Just wanted to let you know, your friends and colleagues at the Parks Division are thinking of you. Take Care
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Sue Chudlegh Paul.
Jay and I send our sincere condolences in the loss of Joanne. She truly gave this insidious disease an a incredible fight, God Bless her. She leaves behind memories of a kind and caring person well respected at her job for her caring compassion as a nurse. Cherish your memories, they truly help through difficult days.
Sincerely, Jay and Sue
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Les Harrington So sorry to hear about your wife Joannes passing Paul. Take care Paul and family.
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Paul and Kathy Kraeling So sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing.
Paul, I often think of the years we spent together with you and Joanne at the ball park. You guys made such a great couple.
We had many good times together and remember them fondly.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you.
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Blake Moore Our families started out as neighbors on the Westbench in Penticton. This became a special family friendship that has lasted for so many years. Rare that I saw Jodie much through the years but whenever I did it was always a comfortable and enjoyable visit. I admired Jodie’s courage and strength.
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Kathy and Glenn Ford Paul, we are so sorry and saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind, and happy person, who we wouldn’t have known if not for you. She will be forever remembered and you are and will be in our thoughts and in our hearts. Condolences to her family.
Hugs to you, Kathy & Glenn
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Maureen Yip Paul, my sincere condolences. Will miss her smile & gentle, warm & kind nature. Didn’t get a chance to play golf with her. Will miss her around Uplands.
She was a special lady. Left us way too early.
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Will and Lucy Jolley Will and I were lucky to have met you, Paul, and Joanne many years ago through our mutual friends, the Fords. We are so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was such a calm and sweet person (and I should add had incredible taste!) She will be missed.
Love,
Will and Lucy Jolley
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Jim Chalmers Paul, Graham, and Colleen
Such sad news to hear of Jo’s passing.
I know you’re all so very proud of her life accomplishments and the courageous fight she fought.
Rosewood Ave. was a second home for me, and I charish the memories!
Please accept my sincerest condolences..
Hugs to you all ♥️
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Wilma snd Barry Hornsberger Paul,
Please accept our condolences and sympathy on Joanne’s passing. She was a kind and decent lady who will be missed by all who had the good fortune to meet her on life’s path.
Wilma and Barry Hornsberger
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Carol Gregg I have many fond memories of Joanne going back to days when she would visit her grandparents in Fernie. I am the youngest Girou girl and lived across the street from the Lees family. I remember playing with Joanne and her siblings when they visited from Kamloops. Later when I worked as a Social Worker at the Royal Jubilee hospital I had the privilege of reconnecting with Joanne and she became my news line as to how her grandmother Olga, her mother Alice,Shirley and Gail were doing. Joanne was a great to work with in the ICU. She accomplished much in her career.She always spoke of Paul with a smile and her eyes would light up as she relayed experiences they shared. My thought and prayers with Paul and family.
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Christine Penney Paul and family,
I have known Joanne as a colleague since my time in Intensive Care at RJH. When I left as manager in 1989, Joanne stepped in as manager and did amazing work hiring wonderful people and progressing many changes. I know first hand that she was truly appreciated by the executive team for her calm effective leadership.
As a friend, Joanne and I kept in touch over the years and we had a group called the Bengal girls! My last chat with Joanne was in the fall and we had hoped to get together over the holidays when I was in town. I’m truly sad that we lost Joanne much too early.
Paul and family, Mark and I send our sincerest condolences. Christine
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Cindy Lawlor Pauly, I miss our courageous warrior every single day……I am so grateful for the gift of 54 years of friendship that I had with our special Jo. Although she left us much too soon I will cherish the time we had and the memories we made over the years. Your soul mate was the kindest and most gentle person on this earth…..she could always find the positive in a situation and very generous with herself to others. It’s clear that Jo positively influenced so many people, from colleagues, staff and all her friends and family.
My deepest condolences to you, Colleen, Graham and all the family
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Yolanda Olivotto Joanne (always with pup Spinner at her side), was a consistently joyful sight in our neighbourhood. “There is Joanne and Spinner” our grands would say as Joanne walked by – she is missed by multiple generations of neighbours. From Spring through Fall, and the occasional warm winter day that drew us to the garden, Joanne would always make time to wave, pause for a warm-hearted chat and smile back as she and Spinner carried along on their walk. It was many times a week we’d enjoy a smile and “hello” during the gardening seasons. Joanne will always be a part of our memories when we venture into the garden, or see the neighbours walking by with their pups. Thank you for sharing whole-heartedly Joanne, and you will be missed. Our love to you Paul and family.
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Robyn Leah Hoffman Growing up in Kamloops, specifically, Rosewood Avenue in Brock, is where friendship between the families that shared this “Avenue” all began. As the kids attended school and moved on to lives of their own, they remained connected in various ways by their mother’s who lived on that avenue until their late senior years.
When I returned to Kamloops over the years, I was able to reconnect in spirit with the “kids of Rosewood Avenue “ as the group of mom’s shared the always interesting updated of most of the families from the block.
The Dolynuk family especially, because we had lived only a few doors away. My younger sister Carrie and Colleen were life long friends. Also as a nurse, I fondly recall visiting Alice, and hearing of her pride of Joanne and Colleen. She always spoke of her girls and Graham.
Joanne your mom was so proud of you and your professional accomplishments. When I was told of your cancer challenge, I feared that this time may arrive. You were a bright light even when the Rosewood crowd was so young and innocent.
Your struggles are done, you fought so hard! Condolences to Paul, Colleen, Graham and families, heartfelt regards at this somber time- Robyn Leah Hoffman , of Chase BC (nee) Kolesnikoff who grew up at 2430 Rosewood Avenue.
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Freda, John and Archie Willie Dear Paul, when you and Joanne first moved to our neighbourhood, we were all delighted to have found such wonderful neighbours. Thank you for the many happy and memorable times. It has been a joy having you in our lives.
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Judy Cryderman Although not unexpected, Paul, any of us that had the good fortune to know Joanne and you could see that there was a very special relationship between the two of you. Personally, knowing her through our golf course, I admired her greatly as she was always open and smiling through it all. I will miss her!
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Suzie Stewart I was sadden to read that Joanne had passed away with her cancer battle. I played golf with Joanne occasionally on Wednesday. I always enjoyed her upbeat attitude, not to mention her golf(she always out drove me).She came to my home for lunch with Ethel & Norma and brought a lovely bouquet of flowers from her garden in a small glass vase, which was a present. Everytime I put flowers in it, I think of her. Last time I saw Joanne was at Monterey Centre. She was always beautiful, but wearing a hat. This time a blonde wig, and I walked right by her, but she called my name, and we hugged! She was a very special lady, and will be missed. Suzie Stewart
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Carolyn Bell Dear Paul
We have all lost a very special, strong lady. I came to know Joanne through the golf club. She greeted everyone with a big smile, regardless of where she was in her health journey – a special lady indeed! May you find peace and comfort knowing hers was a life well-lived.
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Jackie Bender I am so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Joanne first in the late 90s and then again in 2007 onwards. I am thankful for my start on RP1. Joanne was a wonderful manager to work with, colleague to talk to and friend to have. Bless you all during this difficult time.
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Michelle Thompson Joanne was my hiring manager when I started my nursing career 27 years ago to the fabulous RP1 angels. Such a wonderful and giving person. Sending condolences.
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Dorothy Morris Joanne was an incredible friend and colleague. Having known her (and Paul) since 1977 when we entered Nursing training at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. There really are no words that adequately express what an amazing person she was. Kind, considerate, great sense of humour, devoted to her family and friends. She showed everyone what courage, determination, fun times and enjoying every life moment in the time we have, are all about. She will never be forgotten and will always be fondly remembered. Our Love and Thoughts are with Paul, Graham, Colleen and the entire family at this very difficult time. Joanne was a rare Gem. It was truly a privilege to be one of her friends. Rest In Peace Joanne.
Dorothy and Rob Morris
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Eileen Lavoie I am so sorry to hear of Joannes passing. I was fortunate enough to have worked with her at the Jubilee Hospital.
She was an amazing nurse and coworker with an unwavering calm manner that was kind,
caring and compassionate.She also had a great sense of humour with both coworkers and patients. She often had the ability to see the amusing side of a situation, under difficult circumstances.
She was a bright light…..a beautiful person, who will be missed.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
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Gail romero My beloved niece, Joanne, will live forever in our hearts.
She was an inspiration to all who had the good fortune to have known her.
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Eileen Goudy I had the privilege of working with Joanne.
She was a wonderful colleague. My condolences to the family.
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Richard Hawrelak Shirley and I are so sad. We wish to pass along our condolences to Paul, Coleen and Graham. We shared so many good times with Jo as a tot growing up in the Loops. RIP Jo. We will miss you so much.
Uncle Dick and Aunty Shirley
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Patti Williams Paul,
How blessed I was to meet you & Joanne so many years ago. And how wonderful it was to work with her. She was such a caring, supportive nurse and colleague. So many great Saturday morning runs, fabulous dinner parties & laughs. It was an honour to be part of her team these past difficult years.
Sad to see her leave us way too early,
Patti
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Garry & Lynn Rai Paul and family,
Over the years we have enjoyed Joanne’s company on and off the golf course. With our mutual friends from Kamloops, our friendship became a larger family. We have all lost a special lady. Rest in peace.
Love, Lynn, Garry & Kona
My sincerest condolences Paul and family. I got to know Joanne well when we worked together on building the RJH new Patient Care Centre in Victoria. Joanne was an amazing clinical support and leader who always focused on making things better. I’m very thankful for knowing Joanne and know that she made such a positive impact on the lives of many.