Oct 2, 1931 - Apr 23, 2018
Joanna Lazzarotto (Margaret Joan nee Fisher), born in Medicine Hat on October 2, 1931, and passed away suddenly, comfortably, and peacefully on April 23, 2018 in Vernon.
Joanna lived and loved life to its fullest and took on many roles. including her work with Air Canada. With her husband Ralph, she managed two Dairy Queen restaurants; thus, her love of their ice cream right up until the day before her passing.
Joanna went to New York and studied under Milton Trager whose therapy Joanna used to the great benefit of many through her business- Caring Hands, her work with Healing Touch, and Reiki.
Joanna teamed up with James Bowlby to work on Mackenzie Camp and together they brought the camp back to life with 99 campers in 1998 to over 600 in 2002. Joanna was a great fund raiser and helped build the Alice Large Hall where a plaque will be placed in her honour, by the MacKenzie Camp Society Board. Joanna truly believed that outdoor education had wonderful results for people of any age.
She will be remembered for her disarming laugh, beautiful singing voice, and her love of animals, flowers, birds, her garden and ballroom dancing. Joanna entertained her Caregivers the day prior to her passing by dancing with her walker, giving lots of hugs, giggling, and singing.
Sincerest thanks to Grace Lenz and Caregivers at Shuswap Lodge for their incredible support, love, and compassion; to the wonderful, nurturing caregivers and staff at Hearthstone Manor in Vernon; to Dr Warren. Bell for all the years he watched over her and to Jacqueline Kral who selflessly dedicated years of personal care while ensuring her life was full of fun and laughter.
Joanna was predeceased by her Mother Tirzah Cowburn, Father Frank Fisher, both originally from England, brother Ken Fisher, and sister Grace Kumm. Joanna leaves behind her daughter, Brenda Holden from Invermere, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 1st, at 3:00 pm in the United Church, Salmon Arm, where Joanna was a long-time member.
In lieu of flowers, and for anyone wishing to make a donation to MacKenzie Camp in Joanna's honour, cheques may be payable to, and sent to: MacKenzie Camp, P.O. Box 133, Armstrong, BC. V0E 1B0.