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Johanna Roelofina Sofia Rennie (nee Knobbe)

October 23rd, 1955 - November 30th, 2024
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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and sister – Johanna (Joanne, Jo, Han) who passed on the 30th of November, 2024 at the age of 69.

Johanna was born October 23, 1955 in Spekholzerheide – Heilust, Netherlands and moved to Vancouver, Canada with her family to Venables street where her nine family members called home.

Johanna’s passions included dancing, music, crosswords, casino time with her sisters, cuisine, nature, camping, fishing, game shows and westerns, friends and family.  She was resilient in any challenges that she faced and was a devoted employee, partner, mother and grandmother.  She will be missed immensely with her knowledge, passions and determination carried on by those who love her.

Johanna has been reunited with her parents Hendrik and Sophie, sisters Jenny and Toni along with her brother Gus.  She is survived by her sisters Mary, Fien and brother John, children Michelle and Brad along with her two favorite grandchildren Madison and Lincoln. 

A Celebration of life will be held February 8th, 2025 starting at 11AM at Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, all friends and family welcome.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to the BC SPCA in honour of Jo’s love for animals.


Tributes

Kevan Buick
January 15th, 2025

Brad and Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to you and your families.

Jim & Wendy Brown
January 15th, 2025

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, grandmother and sister. We have so many wonderful memories of Joanne. I remember 1st meeting her at a get-together at Rick and Patti Gibsons I was so happy that Jim and Joanne became a couple and our friendship began. We spent many wonderful times togther ... afternoon's with her and Jim, Brad and Michelle in their backyard pool, camping at Gallagher Lake, dinners together at the house on Prairie Avenue, bowling at Brentwood Lanes. We are very sad that we lost touch but have thought of you often over the years. Rest in peace Joanne đź’”

Glenn Webb
January 11th, 2025

Joanne was present at one of the greatest moments of my life. My wife Karen and I went to see the Temptations at the Cave in Vancouver with Joanne and Jim.. 1978 or so . We had a big table for 8 in the upper balcony. We had a blast so much so I don't remember much of the Temptations. Last call came and we reloaded. As we were about to leave a door opened and the Temptations walked in, I jumped up and asked them to join us . They did . Did not know that the Temptations did not enjoy Crown Royal as much as we did . They were super polite but moved along after a few minutes. Our party continued and we had a great night. Will never forget it . Will never forget Joannes smile and laugh.

Karen Brandolini Webb
January 11th, 2025

My condolences to the family on your loss of Mom, grandma, sister.
Ive know Joanne since high school days. We've shared a many good times with the gang. One particular episode was Joanne's birthday party. Not sure if we in Gr. 11 or 12. But you had a party in the basement on your house on Venables. Things were going well until someone said let's play spin the bottle. Lol Thankfully your parents came hold and ended that. Which I was very thankful for. We remained friends through school days and attended each other's weddings. You and Jim moved into your home on Prarie St.in Port Coquitlam. Not far from where Glenn & I lived. We had many dinners together and shared a lot of laughter together. We ended up relocating to Toronto. And loss contact with each other. I hold onto many fun memories we shared together ❤️. Rest in peace my friend

Denise "Colistro" Linden
January 10th, 2025

It is with profound sadness that I learned of Joanne's passing. To me, she was first known as "Honey," a name that perfectly captured the sweetness of her spirit in those early years. . I still smile when I think of how she chose to go by Joanne in high school, honestly, I couldn’t blame her for wanting to leave "Honey" behind
Losing a childhood friend is a sorrow that’s hard to put into words, but this loss feels especially close to my heart. Joanne and I have been intertwined in life since the tender age of five. I can still see her as the bright and cheerful Dutch girl with the swing set, who became such a big part of my world. From those first moments of friendship, we shared a journey that took us from St. Frances to Templeton, through years that now seem like a simpler, more magical time.
Those were the days of no cell phones, endless outdoor adventures, and running around until the streetlights flickered on. Joanne, along with our other dear friend, and I were inseparable, the self proclaimed Three Musketeers. Together, we were fearless. I cherish the memories of our laughter and adventures: the YWCA, camping trips, midnight games of ghost tag, helper tag with the neighbourhood kids and dancing to "Monster Mash." We even worked our first jobs side by side, learning and growing together.
As life does, it led us down different paths. Marriage, children, and the busyness of being mothers meant our time together became less frequent. But even when distance came between us, Joanne was never far from my heart.
Life has a way of humbling us in moments of loss, reminding us of the fragility of time and the depth of our connections. Joanne’s memory will remain a bright light in my heart, a reminder of a beautiful friendship that shaped my life in so many ways.
Joanne, may you soar with the angels, surrounded by peace and love. You will always be a part of me, my dear friend .

Christine Fiorucci
January 9th, 2025

So sad to hear the passing of Joanne. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. I have very good memories of us growing up together and feel sad that we lost touch. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

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