The family of JoAnn McKeown of St. Albert Alberta is saddened to announce her passing on May 15, 2022 at the age of 70 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Mike; sons, Matthew and Mark and his wife Krista; grandson, Tristan; mother, Teresa; sister, Cathy and brother Frank.
Born in Sydney NS, JoAnn was known by many as “Syd” and “Sydney”. A breast cancer survivor, JoAnn was very active in Dragon Boat Racing, and participated in many festivals with teams from Manitoba, Alberta, and even a national team that raced in Singapore and New Zealand. She was still affiliated with BREAST Friends and Pink Paddlers and enjoyed their friendships immensely. Married in 1973, JoAnn lived in Ontario, Manitoba, South Carolina and Alberta. She enjoyed friendships everywhere. She will be remembered for her strength, laughter, and compassion for others.
A Celebration of Life will follow.
Memorial donations may be made to a local favourite charity of your choice.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff at Sturgeon Community Hospital, especially Unit 19 who cared for a stranger like she was their own loved one. And thanks to all of her friends and family that brought joy and happiness to her life.
Krista McKeown says
Syd was my mother-in-law. She embraced me into the family whole-heartedly. When her grandson came into this world she helped me in so many ways and I will never forget her generosity. Her love had no end. I am sorry that her grandson, my son, Tristan, will not be able to be guided by her wisdom going forward, but I will do my best to carry her legacy on to him. She was a very special woman, mother, wife, sister, and grandmother. She will be missed.
Shannon MacKinnon says
Syd was my aunt but also my friend. She and Mike were so generous as Russ and I moved from Cape Breton to Alberta to begin our journey after university. Always up for a visit, joining us for a meal or even making curtains for our first apartment (in an afternoon), she was so talented as a seamstress. She was there to help with my wedding as we planned from afar and for the birth of both of our two children. She was so easy to talk to and always offered good advice and had a great sense of humour. She loved her family dearly, we will all miss her, but her memory will live on in our hearts. Sending all our love to Mike, Matt, Mark and family. Xo
Simon and Roberta ( Bobby)White.New Waterford says
To Aunt Teresa, Cathy , Frank and all of JoAnn’s family,Simon and I send our deepest condolences.She was a lovely Lady and will be missed by family and friends.May you remember all the good times.
Kathy & Fred MacDonald says
JoAnn’s passing was a great loss to anyone who knew and loved her!
I was blessed to call her my Best Friend when she lived in Winnipeg and even when she moved to SC and Edmonton .We shared many happy fun and miserably sad times then and even now in our monthly catch up phone calls since she moved! We laughed and cried together, and always had a particular bond that never weakened !She took care of all her family and friends selflessly with strength and capable hands !
It was Her Time and Our Father called her home!
Rest In Peace ,my special friend !You will always have a place in our hearts!
Condolences to Michael !Matt and Mark and the rest of her family!
Sue Gillis says
Theresa, Frank, and best of friends Cathy, Mike, Matthew and Mark, I am so saddened by Syd’s passing. She was a great person. Lots of memories. God bless all of you, sending prayers.
Al & Barb McCormick, Oakville ON says
Al & I knew JoAnn through Kathy & Fred MacDonald. Always at the centre of wonderfully happy gatherings – the most memorable for us, being the time in Fred & Kathy’s kitchen between the ceremony and reception of Dave & Teri’s wedding. JoAnn and Michael MacDonald had us in stitches … whenever I need a way to brighten my day, it is a memory that immediately brings a laugh out loud!
Our deepest sympathies to you Michael, Matt, and Mark and your circles of family and friends. Your loss is immeasurable. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. 🦋
Moe and Doug McKeown says
Syd was the very best sister-in-law!
When we were together it was always such a great time and always filled with laughter. Syd always kept us in line and that was a big job!
Our family was so lucky to have her in our lives. Heaven is very blessed to have her spirit and as a family we will always have our memories.
Gillian says
Joanne McEwen was my sister-in-law and she knew how to talk to me and answer questions cutting to the quick of the situation I’ll miss her a lot she was in my life for 50 years at a distance but still there and I’ll miss her
Gillian Mckeown says
JoAnn Mckeown was my sister- in- law, she knew how to talk to me
and answer my questions, cutting to the quick of the situation. I will miss Syd alot, she was in my life for
50 years at a distance, but still there, I’ll miss her.