Joanne LaBarge

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joanne Marie LaBarge in the early hours of December 31, 2021, on the Palliative Care Unit in the Grey Nuns Hospital, at 77 years of age, after her third struggle with cancer.

Joanne will forever live in the hearts of her family and is missed by her sisters Marilyn LaBarge of Edmonton and Jeanette LaBarge (husband Philip Grimshaw) of Brentwood Bay, B.C., step-sons Jeff (Deb) Brown of Okotoks and Doug Brown of Edmonton; her loving granddaughters Erin (Colby) Macbeth of Edmonton and Kimberly (Shane) Grant of Okotoks; and precious great-grandchildren Joel, Felix, Harley, Blake and Reid. Joanne is also survived by her aunt Blanche Gau of St. Albert and many loving cousins and many dear close friends.

Joanne was predeceased by her husband Norm Sarofen and her parents Marvin and Marie (Gau) LaBarge.

Joanne was born in Camrose AB and moved to Edmonton upon graduating from high school. She attended business college, then began her career with AGT, now known as Telus. Joanne retired from Telus in 1993 after 28 years working in Human Resources. Many of the friendships made from the start of her career were close lasting friendships right up to the present time.

Norm was a founding member of Windermere Golf and Country Club, and introduced Joanne to the game which she came to love and enjoy at Windermere with special friends, especially Edie, Carolyn and Carol, and many others. To honour Joanne, play a round of golf in memory of the special times she spent with you both on and off the course.

Joanne loved to travel, especially for many years with her family to Hawaii, then with Norm to the Big Island to play golf and enjoy the tropical winter weather. In later years the three sisters enjoyed winter holidays together in Palm Springs.

Joanne will always be remembered for her wonderful sense of humour and quick wit, and for keeping her family and friends as the most important part of her life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Doug Strilchuk, and Dr. Joy and staff of the Cross Cancer Institute, and staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the Grey Nuns Hospital. A special thank you to the Paramedic teams who came to the house - you showed such compassion and caring for Joanne and her family.

As per Joanne's wishes a private family burial will be held in Camrose and a private memorial service will be held in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.