Joanne Marion Guppy

To live 80 years with such purpose and zest is quite the feat. To do so with the warmth of a fine red wine and the sparkle of a rum and pepsi, well, that was our mother, Joanne Marion Guppy (“Momma G”). On Friday, June 6, 2025, with her beloved children, Erin and Blair, by her side, Joanne peacefully departed in Lions Gate Hospital. Her absence leaves a void, yet her spirit, like a well-loved song, will forever play in our hearts.

Born Joanne Soohen in Vancouver, Joanne (“Bouncy Jo” / “Jo-Babes” / “Jo-Jo”) spent her formative years on 37th Avenue in Kerrisdale. This was more than a street; it was a stage for childhood dreams and youthful crushes, shared with cherished friends: Wendy, Tina, the Hunters, and the Patons. There, amidst the delightful chaos, her lifelong passion for teaching bloomed with the inevitability of a Calla lily. From an early age, Joanne knew her calling, a clarity that, as her diaries revealed, guided many profound life decisions. She had a premonition of her own brilliance.

Joanne (“Momma Gupps”) was an extraordinary woman. Her laugh was a symphony, her eyes a constellation, her empathy a true compass. She was a beacon, radiating an undying spirit that drew people in. While she carried the quiet concerns of a worrier, Joanne was, above all, unabashedly brave and empowered. This courage defined her remarkable career as an elementary school teacher, where she nurtured countless children. She poured her heart into her students, giving them tools, confidence, and the belief to succeed, ultimately shaping generations. She was a magician, not just for curing hiccups, but for coaxing out the best in everyone. Children like Hana, the Swan siblings, and Jason Ainsley—who famously explored a classroom window with his hand—all experienced her enchantment.

Her teaching career spanned West Bay Elementary, Bowen Island Community School (BICS), and culminated in her retirement from Caulfield Elementary School at 60. Beyond the classroom, Joanne’s passion for the arts shone brightly. She meticulously directed numerous school musicals, including beloved productions like "Clowns" and "Wheels." Countless letters and notes attest to her profound contributions and the many awards she justly received. She was, quite simply, the embodiment of what a teacher should be. She traveled the world, bringing experiences and cultural sensitivity back into our home and classrooms, sharing this wealth with her "other children."

Joanne’s zest for life extended beyond her professional calling; it was a vibrant force in her community. A lover of music and dance, her joy was palpable. Many in West Vancouver and her childhood Kerrisdale neighborhood will fondly recall her spirited performances with the "Bursting with Broadway" Community Choir and her harmonious kinship with her "Sweet Adelines" sisters. Her dedication to colleagues was clear through her active involvement with the West Vancouver Teacher’s Association and the BC Teachers Federation. She also volunteered at the Kay Meek Centre, sharing her time and passion.

Our home was a hub for countless gatherings that began long before Erin and I arrived. From "Erection (Christmas Tree Decorating) Parties" and Graduation Parties to Jack and Jill Parties, Homecomings, Birthdays, Celebrations of Life, and legendary Music Parties where teachers jammed like Trooper on Friday night—her door was always open. Joanne was a model of the modern woman; while raising us, she faced divorce and loss but never failure. She quickly returned to further her education, continuing with greater zeal the teaching career she was born to pursue.

Upon leaving the family home, she cultivated communities wherever she landed next. First, at the Pink Palace in Ambleside, then at the newly opened Village Langley, where she reunited with Jean, one of her fabled childhood “twins”. Finally, she returned to the North Shore to Inglewood Care Home, where she spent most of her final days. Here, she danced, sang, laughed, cried, and connected with every staff member with an effervescence that never dimmed. Joanne (“Goopy”) had a remarkable talent for making everyone feel seen, heard, and cherished, quickly making them feel like family. Her infamous "side eye" and knowing wink, her silly antics, and her endless giggles are vibrant threads in the tapestry of our love.

Most of all, Joanne was a devoted mother and grandmother (Nai Nai). She sacrificed endlessly, with profound love, to provide her children the freedom and support to pursue their own paths. Her unwavering love and concern for her family was the cornerstone of her magnificent being.

Joanne is survived by her loving daughter, Erin Guppy (Jennifer Blattler), her devoted son, Blair Guppy, her cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Elizabeth Guppy, and her brother, Greig Soohen.

The family extends sincere gratitude to all staff at Inglewood Care Centre for the playfulness and compassionate care they showed Joanne. Their kindness was a testament to her own ability to inspire joy in others.

Joanne Marion Guppy lived a life brimming with purpose, passion, and abundant love. Her legacy of courage, dedication, and boundless joy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. She will be dearly missed every single day, and fondly remembered every single second—for how could one possibly forget such a force of nature?