Jo-Anne Margaret McCaig

JoAnne was born on February 7th, 1939 to Norman and Geraldine (Reid) Chase. Joanne was the third of four girls who grew up in a household full of music, laughter and love. Gerrine, Marlene, Jane and JoAnne performed regularly at a very early age at a variety of events including radio shows. Joanne continued the Chase tradition as a performer and teacher her entire life.

Music was at the core of Joanne’s essence. Throughout her musical life, JoAnne had many high points. She was a Rose Bowl and Elfie Forsberg recipient at the local music festival. During the fifties, JoAnne performed on the popular Dottie Becker Town and Country television show. As a teacher of piano and vocal for many years, JoAnne mentored an array of young talented performers including a two time provincial gold medallist at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In high school, JoAnne was a proud member of the Melody Queens. This group brought JoAnne a great deal of joy especially when they recently reunited for their “comeback tour” for the residents of Rainycrest. JoAnne also took great pride in the musical efforts and talents of her husband, children and grandchildren. Above all JoAnne loved to sing as an expression of her faith.

Another important facet of JoAnne’s life was her faith and church community. Joanne was a long time member and elder of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. One of the saddest moments was when the church closed. Eventually she found her way to the Evangelical Covenant Church and was warmly welcomed into their faith community. During her illness, JoAnne and her family greatly appreciated the support she received from the church and it was a source of comfort.

On April 16th, 1960, JoAnne married the love of her life Douglas McCaig. Doug and Joanne lived a rich and full life together for over sixty years. They were constant companions and Joanne looked to Doug to help her face the physical and emotional challenges of her last months.

JoAnne was a dedicated and loving mother to her three children Mark, Rob and Patti-Jo. JoAnne was the center of the household and that lifelong commitment allowed her husband and children to live full and rewarding lives through the pursuit of their personal interests and public service. This support continued with the arrival of her grandchildren and the pending arrival of her first great grandchild.

JoAnne was predeceased by her parents and sister Jane Dufresne. She was also predeceased by her brother-in-laws Jack (Gerrine) Mott, Joe (Irene) McKelvie, Ray Dufresne and Dave McCaig. She was predeceased by sister-in-laws Rena (Dave) McCaig and Barb (Dave) McCaig. JoAnne is survived by her two sisters Gerrine Mott and Marlene (Harold) Armstrong. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Irene McKelvie and numerous nieces and nephews. JoAnne will also be greatly missed by her constant and loving companion Pebbles.

JoAnne is survived by her husband Doug and her three children, Mark (Krista) McCaig, Rob McCaig and Patti-Jo (Pete) LeDrew. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley (Reid) Fenwick, Katelyn (Frank) McCaig, Michael McCaig, Billy McCaig, Kassidy LeDrew and Hannah LeDrew.

Funeral services for JoAnne will be held on Monday May 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Green’s Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Johnson and Father Scott McCaig officiating. JoAnne’s pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Fort Frances Evangelical Covenant Church.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.