Joanne - we think about you every day and you were even more on our minds this Thanksgiving weekend! It was one of your favourite weekends sharing pumpkin pie with family on your birthday! Hope your favourite pie is plentiful in heaven. Today I thank god for the beautiful times that we shared when you were with us. We miss you...happy 62 years!

your birthday just went by I miss you big time.I find it hard to believe it has been almost a year and a half that you 've been gone.I miss you every day.
Rejean

For my Aunt Joanne…

My heart has been broken into a thousand pieces.

I am still coming to terms with the reality that I will never see your smiling face or hear your sweet voice for the remainder of my time here on Earth.  My world, our world, will never be the same.

I take comfort in the fact that you are no longer in pain and that you have been reunited with our loved ones.  I know Grandpa Al would have been there the moment of your passing to ease your transition into Heaven.  I never had the opportunity to meet Grandpa Al but if he were anything like Dad and my Uncles (which I understood he was), you would not have been afraid to let go.  Also there would be your father-in-law, Marcel Carreau, who had “the best laugh you have ever heard.  A man with such a big heart and a gentle soul.”  Those were your own words about Mr. Carreau. I'm sure Baba and Dida were also there.  I'll bet Baba was there to greet you in her own sweet way - by reaching out, grabbing ahold of your cheeks and saying something in Czechoslovakian interspersed with “BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL GRAND-DAUGHTER”.  But this time, you would have understood everything she said as all languages are known universally in Heaven.  Grandpa Harry and Grandma Mary Jane Piche would have been there as well.  Does Grandma Piche still handout those toffees?  I miss those.  And I cannot even begin to imagine how excited your beloved Casey would have been to see you.  Between you and Uncle Reggie, Casey could not have asked for better humans to love and nurture him throughout his much-too-short life.  I can picture how happy he would be to see you.  I'll bet it was just as my favourite poem “Rainbow Bridge” described this sort of reunion.  To quote: “….the happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress his beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.”

I am filled with peace knowing that when it is our turn to leave this Earth, you will be right there to greet each and everyone of use and lead us into Heaven.  Knowing you - you'll probably fight your way to the front of the line because that was your way - brave and feisty.  I mean, you were the one person who could take on my Dad.  He recently shared a story that I will now share with you all.  Flashback to the 1960's when the original Kirkland Lake Piche clan was living on Third Street.  One fine day, the doorbell ran.  My Dad opened the door only to discover it was Jehovah's Witnesses coming to profess their word.  Now we're all Catholic and already know the Word of the Lord and incorporate His teachings on our own lives everyday. But we are also very polite people who would not want to appear as if we were rejecting someone else's beliefs. My Dad, the brilliant man that he is, had an idea though.  He told them to hang on a moment and yelled, “Joanne - door's for you!”  My Aunt, being a young teenager, quickly primped herself and ran down the stairs excited to see who had come a-calling.  She arrived at the door and quickly realized she had been duped.  Too young and too well-mannered to send them on their way, she stood there and listened….and listened….and listened.  After they were finished, they handed her a copy of Watchtower Magazine and she closed the door.  Not a word was said to my father for the prank he had just pulled.  Around a year later, the doorbell rang.  This time, Aunt Joanne answered.  Well - guess who it was?  She told them to hang on a moment.  Then she called out, “Robbie - door's for you!” and walked away into the kitchen.  And my Dad fell for it.  After he listened….and listened…and listened….and received his copy of Watchtower, he closed the door and proceeded into the kitchen.  There was Aunt Joanne with a huge smile spread across her face.  Not a word was spoken between them about this…..ever.  But it was understood - she won.  There was also the infamous battle of the green pants, but I digress….

This bravery and feisty-ness was a part of you your whole life.  It was probably what I admired most about you.  I want to thank you for putting up a courageous fight these past five months.  Many people in your shoes would have thrown in the towel knowing the difficult road that lay ahead but you took on the fight full-force.  Because of this, we had you here with us for those five precious months.  I know you fought more for Nanny, Uncle Reggie and the rest of us than for yourself.  This was your way - always thinking of others.  Rest now, Aunt Joanne and know that we will be loving and supporting one another as families are meant to do.

So, until we meet again….

I promise to carry on your contagious smile - the one that lights up a room the moment you walk in.

I promise to be thankful for the forty years I was blessed to have you in my life.  I promise to be thankful that our children came to know and love you, their Auntie Jo-Jo, just as my sister, my cousins and I all have.  The last few weeks have shown our children just how important it is to have siblings in our lives.  Sure, siblings may be a pain at times - they tease, pull pranks and say mean things to one another especially when they're young - but in the end, your siblings are the people that have your back.

I promise to take you with me everywhere I go - to my children's graduations, weddings and the birth of my own grandchildren.  I promise to speak of you often to my future grandchildren so they will know what an incredible Aunt, Godmother and Friend you are.  You will never be forgotten.

I promise to keep you with me forever in my soul.

I love you Auntie Jo-Jo.

I know that one day, you will help all of our hearts be whole again.

I missed you very much this Christmas morning and new years day.

Christmas brings us peace and joy, but this year, it has also brought sadness. We missed you very much and our greatest Christmas gift by far would have been to have you here with us. We will always keep Christmas memories within our hearts! Suzanne & family.

With Christmas over for another year, I can't help but recall the many Christmas Day celebrations that I had at my Nanny's house with Aunt Joanne and Uncle Reg.  They were always happy to see my brother,  my cousins, and I as we played (quite loudly) in Nanny's rec room.  I'll never forget the year that my one aunt and uncle got a camcorder and my cousins, my brother, & I sang (and were recorded singing) "I'm getting nothing for Christmas" (a little off key).  These are memories that I will always be grateful for having. In fact my own daughter is the age I was in the video. As I became a young adult, I was lucky enough to get a summer job at my Aunt Joanne's workplace in Ottawa.  I'll always remember the great co-workers at Nedco and how wonderful my summer stay was with my Aunt Joanne and Uncle Reg.  They really made certain that I experienced Ottawa in full and I loved every minute of it!  2014 was the year I turned 40 (roughly the age that Joanne was when I went to work with her at Nedco that summer of 1995).  Joanne, you were taken too young.  It just doesn't seem fair.  I think of you often as I do other young people in my life that have passed on before their time.  I also want to say "Thank you" for all the good memories you have given to our family.  Rest in Peace Joanne...God Bless!

The first time I saw Joanne I thought what a beautiful woman.  She looks like an angel. In my thoughts I said to God if I could have her for my wife I promise ... (something I soon forgot about). I did mean it at the time but human nature or at least my nature I dared to speak honestly to my creator, but my promises were shallow.  As it turns out, Joanne was in some of my classes where we met. After getting pushed to ask her on a date (by a mutual friend) I finally did. She said yes! The rest is history. We were married in 1972.                             
There were bumps along the way and lately I ask God to forgive me for 1st forgetting my promises and for not taking better care of his angel. My special angel as I now think of her.
Joanne wanted children very much (I was a little indifferent then).  It just didn't happen.  So doctors were consulted and we travelled to Ottawa and specialists did the best they could. After an unsuccessful operation, it looked like parenthood was not in our future. Her brothers' children became her joy.
For some time we were unsettled and confused in life.  Time went by.  I regret not being stronger back then in faith and character. I pray to God to forgive me for this. I miss my special angel.
 In 1989 we decided a change of scenery was a good idea so we came to Ottawa. Here as we settled into a new life things were good. I miss my special angel.
I miss arguing with her as we often differed in opinion but it made the middle point so much the better.  Lets compromise she often said. Joanne had a great honesty about her.  She didn't shy from the truth and stood for her convictions. No compromise there.  She was very feisty. I miss my special angel.
Ottawa was not all perfect after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis from which she endured pain a long time. She never let it stop her.  She read a lot on the subject and only accepted relief from meds she approved of. After a number of months of knee pain and a limp that was worsening, it was discovered she needed a hip replacement. My God I cry thinking of what my special angel went through.
In 2010, as it was getting more difficult to deal with the arthritis and the stress of work, she retired. One of the joys of daily life for Joanne was a venti, 6 pump, tazo chai at Starbucks or as I often teased her by calling it 5bucks. I wish I hadn't.  Another pleasure was after a long period of convincing her mom, she moved in with us. Now better known as Nanny.  She was great help cooking, cleaning etc.. In the mornings Joanne would be 1st to get the paper, Nanny 2nd and then the crossword puzzle.  Nanny is a pro at it. Soon I got hooked on it as I began helping with it.  Joanne said I spent too much time at it. True … my “to do” list got longer. I miss my special angel.
     The best part of my work days on the road were when I called Joanne at just after 7 pm (after Coronation Street).  We would talk about the day. Now I find myself thinking to remember to tell her this or that and then knowing I can't anymore.  God I miss her.
The hard part came on December 18, when our world fell apart when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Joanne, strong as always, wanted to fight.  An operation to remove a large tumor was successful. Then 5 radiation treatments to get smaller tumors, then 2 sets of chemo therapy followed by 2 cyberknife radiation treatments to get the remaining brain tumors then 2 more chemo treatments. During this time we went to emergency centers 3 times for complications.  The last time because of pain. At this point there was 5 radiation treatments to the lung to make her more comfortable. Why did I ever smoke maybe she wouldn't have either. I miss my special angel.
I pray the Lord to forgive me for not taking better care of his angel during the five months of treatments I broke down and we cried twice other than in private, Joanne hugged me and told me it would be ok.
A day after receiving the sacrament of the sick Joanne passed quietly. I miss my special angel.
I seem to have written of hard things hopefully therapeutic for me.  It is said after some time passes good memories start to come. I'm sure they will as there were many.

Sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. Alton was my first cousin. We have never met but Marty attended my mom's funeral in the Bay some time ago. God bless you all.

I love you Auntie Jo-Jo.  Thank you for being the best Great Aunt and for everything you did for us.

Reggie & family, So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. Reggie, i am remembering your great love story with Joanne and precious times together. May the love of friends & family carry you through your grief. 
Lorraine Héroux (Trois-Rivieres, Qc)

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow.  Take comfort in each other and your happy memories that will last a lifetime. Lots of love.

We are so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing at such a young age,aiways remember the precious times with her....
Josy and Nevio. Viskovich

My most heartfelt sympathies to Joanne's family. Even though I did not work with Joanne on a daily basis, I got to know her very well each time I went to our Ottawa branch and every time I spoke to her on the phone. She was simply a beautiful person. She will surely be missed by everyone who knew her.

Reggie & Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Jo. We worked together for over 17 yrs & she was always a good friend & college who I respected & admired. RIP kind & lovely lady you are in my thoughts. Xoxo

Gone too soon. Very sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. Beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing. I went to school with Joanne many years ago, now and I remember her and Rejean, such a sweet couple! I will keep you in my prayers. Cathy Meagher

My sincere condolences Rejean, my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Armand Charron

We share with you our sorrow and extend to you Réjean and the Piche and Carreau families our deepest sympathies.

Dear Rob, Bernice and Kim, our sincerest condolences on Joanne's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.  May you find peace in the knowledge that she no longer suffers.

So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing Reggie,one of my fondest memories was going to Algonquin park camping with you and Joanne,I was around 16 and we surprised Linda and Rheal,I've thought of the two of you often through the years,Joanne use to come in the early mourning to our cottage in Kenogami and giggle about some date she'd been on with you,she sure did love you,she will be missed.Once again my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

I was very sad to see the death announcement in the paper.  Joanne was such a nice person.  My sincere sympathy to Rejean and all the family.

Rejean, Piche & Carreau families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May special memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Love, Claudette & Blaine

Our deepest sympathy to the Carreau and Piche family. Thinking of all of you during this sad time.

Kim, The Piche Family and Reggie,
  So sorry to hear about the passing of Joanne.  I went to university with Kim and had the opportunity to meet Joanne and Reggie numerous times.  What a  wonderful lady and couple.  Kim always spoke so highly of her.  May God comfort you all during this difficult time.

Wendy Moore (Campbell's Bay, Qc)

she was a special co'worker always a smile she will be missed very sorry for your loss

Réjean, c'est avec une immense tristesse que j'ai appris le décès de Joanne.
La vie est éphémère, mais le souvenir d'un être cher reste. Je te souhaite ainsi qu'à toute ta famille et la famille Piché beaucoup de courage. Les larmes guérissent, les souvenirs réconfortent et l'amour est éternel. Ma famille se joint à moi pour te présenter nos plus sincères condoléances en ce triste moment.

Ta cousine, Louise

My thoughts and prayers are with you Reg. and the Piché family.
I'm sorry for your loss. 
Joanne will always be in my heart and memories.

Our deepest sympathies going out to Reg and the Piche family.  So sad to hear about Joanne.  She was a dear friend and co-worker for 18 years, she will be dearly missed by us. May you all find comfort in this time of sorrow.  We are thinking of you, you are all in our prayers. Theresa Letemplier and Mark Pacey. xo

Sending our  deepest sympathies to Rejean and the Piche family on the loss of Joanne.  Prayers and thoughts go out to you all, cherish the memories and take comfort in knowing you now have a special angel watching over you. 
Derek, Sylvane Bracher and family.

My deepest sympathies from a colleague that worked beside you. You are in my prayers Rejean and family. I pray God will give you his comfort and peace at this time of sadness.

Diane Dagenais

Words cannot explain the sadness I feel. My thoughts and prayers go out to you  during this most difficult time. To you Regie and the Piche Family I will never forget the true friendship I had with Joanne, and the love and compassionate she had for her family.

Words cannot express my sadness at this most difficult time, I will always cherish the friendship that I had with Joanne. A angel has been taken away far to soon from this earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you Reggie and the Piche family.
                            
Tina Rozich  Kirkland Lake, Ontario

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Joanne will always be in our hearts forever. Rejean, Eva and family please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss and know that our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.

Eva and family:
We share with you our sorrow and extend to you our deepest sympathies.
Whit & Nora Piche

I am so very sorry for your loss!  I worked with Joanne for many years at Norther Canada Sales in Kirkland Lake.  We certainly shared many a good time!  My thoughts are with u all during this difficult time!

OBITUARIO

Joanne piche Carreau

12 octubre, 1953 – 16 mayo, 2014

McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel

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