Obituary of Siobhan Josephine O’Toole

Siobhan Josephine “Jo” O’Toole (formerly Hansen) passed away at home suddenly on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at the age of 56 years. Jo was born on May 3, 1950 in Dublin Ireland, and at the age of eight she immigrated to the Forest Lawn area of Calgary with her family, all of whom have passed on before her. She attended Saint Mary’s High school and soon after married James Hansen. Together they had a son Paul Hansen and moved to the Brentwood area of Calgary. Upon completing an Education Degree at the University of Calgary in the early 70’s, she taught art and English at Branton Junior High, lobbied for the welfare of learning disabled students, and went on to complete a Masters of Fine Art. In the early 80’s Jo lived in the Vancouver English Bay area while teaching and working on her PhD at UBC. She returned to Calgary in the late 80’s due to failing health and began a private day care service that carried on throughout the 90’s. A variety of contrasting health problems and complications arose from 2002 onwards. She is survived by her son Paul and grandson Caleb. She dearly loved her family, loved all children, and will be remembered as an extraordinarily bright, generous, and caring person prone to the occasional fit of inexplicable and uncontrollable contagious laughter. She was predeceased by parents Edward and Eileen O’Toole and brothers Ed “Eddy” and Christopher “Kit”. In accordance with Jo’s wishes there will be no reception or memorial. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620. In living memory of Siobhan O’Toole, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.