Jo-Ann (Beruschi) Johnston

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Jo-Ann Johnston. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Jo-Ann was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Joe & Henrietta (nee Nelsen) Beruschi. Jo-Ann was raised in Prince Rupert, Vancouver - the West End. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Jo-Ann was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jo-Ann's personality throughout her life.

      Though Jo-Ann was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jo-Ann was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jo-Ann worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jo-Ann was raised with one sibling. She had a brother named Ronald. Jo-Ann and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Jo-Ann was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Jo-Ann was always tactful. One thing Jo-Ann will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Jo-Ann had a number of interests and was an active child. Jo-Ann took part in Softball, playing third base.

      For Jo-Ann, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Jo-Ann was also adept at details. Jo-Ann was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from King George High School (West end of Vancouver) in 1959. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Awarded Miss King George (the girls honor award for the "Best All Round/Most Popular Student).

      College can be a challenge, but Jo-Ann appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Jo-Ann had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Jo-Ann enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Bachelor of Education in 1969 and Masters in special education.

      There was one thing that all of Jo-Ann's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Jo-Ann was such a popular person throughout her life. But Jo-Ann was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Jo-Ann was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Jo-Ann was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Jo-Ann was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Jo-Ann was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Jo-Ann made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Nonie Brand. Later in life, she became friends with Carole and Ken Taylor, Bruce and Joan Cunningham and Bea Brassart.

      Jo-Ann was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Jo-Ann cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. (Rita) Jo-Ann Beruschi married Rolph on August 22, 1964 at 12 noon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church of North Vancouver, BC. Compassionate and devoted, Jo-Ann worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Jo-Ann, and she expected the same from those around her. Jo-Ann was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Jo-Ann was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jo-Ann handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was teacher. She was employed for approximately 20 years at Alexis Park Elementary School. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Jo-Ann enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were photography.

      Jo-Ann was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Jo-Ann was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Jo-Ann also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football, tennis, winter Olympic games, summer Olympic games, all sports.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Jo-Ann to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Jo-Ann did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Jo-Ann was a member of the Chronicle Staff (known as Jo-Ann Eyelash Beruschi).

      A generous and compassionate woman, Jo-Ann accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Jo-Ann was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Order of St. John in 2010 and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

      Not only did Jo-Ann enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included fishing at Trout Lake and visiting family in Australia.

      Jo-Ann was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her numerous dogs over many years.

      Since it was easy for Jo-Ann to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Jo-Ann was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1999. Her new life involved staying in Vernon, BC. Even in retirement, Jo-Ann stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Jo-Ann passed away on January 10, 2019 at her home in Vernon, BC. Natural causes. She is survived by her brother Ron, sister-in-law Yvonne, nieces: Raelene, Melinda, Alison and nephew Martin & their families. Services were held at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home in Vernon and her urn was interred at the cemetery in Revelstoke. Jo-Ann was laid to rest between her parents in Revelstoke, BC.

      Jo-Ann was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Jo-Ann was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Jo-Ann Johnston.