Olga Gladys LaPlante (née MacDonald), September 20, 1933 - April 16, 2013
Olga passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends. Olga was born in Webbwood, Ontario and brought her family to Powell River in 1963.
She started working for Hudson’s Bay Company and later Fields for the earlier part of her working career. One of her most rewarding adventures was working at Burg & Johnson Builders Supply and with its family of dedicated staff until her retirement in 1990.
Olga had been deeply involved with the Christmas Cheer committee for nearly 40 years and served her community with an indomitable cheer and her loving and witty spirit. She had been a part of Powell River Garden Club and her love for flowers and the outdoors was well known by her family and friends.
Predeceased by her brothers Donald, Lesley and Leonard, Olga is survived by her life partner of 36 years Rick Capson, sisters Glenna and Mae, daughters Tina and Janice (Chris), grandchildren Eric, Paul (Deirdre), Katrina (Lockery) and her great-grandchildren Jarod, Cole and Jake.
A Celebration of Life (please wear bright colours) will be held Saturday, April 27 from 1 to 4 pm at 7013 Cranberry Street, Powell River. An open mic dedication period will be held from 2 to 3 pm so please bring your stories.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Christmas Cheer Committee, c/o Sherry Hunter 7318 Glacier Street, Powell River, V8A 5V2.
Joanne M. McGowan (née Burroughs), May 18, 1959 - April 11, 2013
Joanne was born and raised in Vancouver where she went to Captain James Cook Elementary School and graduated from Killarney High. Joanne made her home in Powell River beginning in 1983 where her two sons Patrick and Tyson were born and raised. Joanne was immensely proud of her boys and their electrical careers. She worked as a legal secretary and at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. For the last 10 years she also worked as a salesperson for Burroughs Printing.
Joanne was one of those rare people who gave love and smiles to everyone she met. She gave selflessly of herself and will be greatly missed by her two sons, parents Anna and Doug, sister Brenda, brother-in-law Heinz, niece and nephew Leanna and Erik, brother Allan, sister-in law-Pat, nephews Cameron and Trevor, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and by her close friend Ross.
Joanne had many friends both on the Lower Mainland and in Powell River. She kept in touch with girlfriends she went to school with. She belonged to the Howlers, a group of ladies in Powell River, who got together regularly for a "girls night out." She enjoyed having family and friends stay with her for holidays. She especially enjoyed hearing her niece and nephews calling out "Hi Auntie Jo" whenever they met.
Joanne loved being outside, enjoyed golfing, running, going to the gym, hitting the beaches and the lakes and parks around the Powell River area. Many thanks go out to the doctors and staff at Lion’s Gate Hospital, Vancouver Cancer Clinic and McKenney Creek Hospice. A memorial service will be held at the Maple Ridge Baptist Church, 22155 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge on Saturday, April 27 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to McKenney Creek Hospice, #100 - 11762 Laity Street, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 5A3.