Skip to content
September 3, 1939 - April 11, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
JoAnne Marjorie Groves departed this life on April 11, 2022. Born in Toronto on September 3rd, 1939, daughter of Charlotte and Bernard Groves (predeceased), she grew up in Toronto and then north of Orillia, Ontario.
Missed by her partner Jack Lewis, Celista, BC, her daughters Heather Dix, Orillia, ON and Melissa (Norm) Hodges, Vancouver, BC, sister Joy Robinson (Rob predeceased), Victoria, BC, brother John Groves (predeceased), grandchildren Jessica (Gavin), Caitlin (Jeff ) and Nathan, Nicola, John, Charlie and Elliot and great- grandchildren Hartley, Quinlan, Fallon and Eady. Jack's children Shelley (Ed) Koski, Revelstoke, BC and Frank Lewis, Celista, BC, Ken Lewis and Mark Lewis, Daysland, AB, grandchildren Karla (Ryan) and David (Tianna), Casey (Amber), Marisa, Connor and Xavier and great-grandchildren Grayson, Ayla, Maya and Otto. Her beloved dog Lucy and her many friends, neighbours and colleagues too numerous to mention, all who brought her joy and regularly gathered at their home on many occasions.
Equal parts feisty, funny, stubborn and smart, Jo was always her own person, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. After attending Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, she was an educator, teaching in northern Manitoba, what is now Nunavut and Ontario and eventually, after moving back to Vancouver and earning her B.Ed at the University of British Columbia, taught ESL in Vancouver's downtown east side and finally at her home of the last 30 years in Celista, BC. Music was an integral part of her life, singing in the choir as a child to performing and directing school and local choirs and barbershop quartets., performing in and directing the Anglebay Entertainers bi- annual Pig and Whistle. She was an active member of Saint David's Church and the Lakeview Community Centre.
Life wasn't always easy but she persevered and as a rule kept a positive attitude, never forgetting to laugh and enjoy life. Dancing with Jack brought her joy and it wasn't unusual for them to drive all over western Canada with friends to attend old time dances. Along the way, she had two girls that she loved fiercely and unconditionally. When her first grandchild was born, she declared she was too young to be a grandma so she was Nana Jo to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the North Shuswap community for their love and support.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration "Singing with Jo" will be held on May 29, 2022 from 1pm to 4pm at the Lakeview Community Centre in Anglemont.
If desired, memorial donations to the Lakeview Community Centre or the Kamloops Hospice Society would be appreciated.
Share condolences and memories of Jo through her obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com

Fischers Funeral Services


Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.