Obituary of Jocelyn Lousie Anderson

At home in the presence of her loving family, Jo passed away with dignity and grace as she had lived. Besides her loving husband, Garfield, Jo is survived by four much loved children, Rosalind Jeffery (Barry), David (Lisa), Susan Gallacher (Bill), and Jocelyn Scott (Kevin); six grandchildren, Liam Gallacher, Alexander Jeffery, Brittany Scott, Jane Jeffery, Benjamin Gallacher, and Brody Scott. She is also survived by a brother, Alastair Ross (Ruth) of Ottawa, ON; two sisters-in-law, Kay Anderson and Frances Fawkes; one brother-in-law, Bill McBryde; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Jo was predeceased by her parents, Douglas and Phyllis (MacEwen) Ross of Winnipeg, MB; four sisters, Helen McBryde, Marjorie Gillian, both of Toronto, ON, and Barbara MacGowan of Ottawa, ON. Jo completed her public schooling in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba where she completed an Honours BA; attended the Ontario College of Education to become certified as a teacher; and completed an MA in French from Middlebury College, Vermont. In high school and university, Jo was a member of the Student Council, a model for Eaton’s catalogue, and a member of the swimming, volleyball, and basketball teams. She also achieved the rank of Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Reserve where she served for several years before marriage. Jo began her teaching career in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario as a French and Physical Education Specialist at the high school level in 1949, and later in Mississauga, Ontario. From 1956 to 1958, Jo taught Canadian students for the Department of National Defence in Soest, Germany, where she met and married her husband, Garfield. In 1973, Jo returned to teaching after fifteen years at home raising her four children. She became a travelling teacher of French in numerous Calgary elementary schools for thirteen years before her retirement in 1986. She was an excellent teacher who thoroughly enjoyed the children. For fourteen years, Jo served as a volunteer with the Alberta Children’s Hospital, as well as at Applause in support of the Calgary Performing Arts Society. Jo and Garfield traveled extensively in Europe and Asia, and as a lifelong learner she participated in numerous Elderhostel Courses. Jo treasured her vacations in Hawaii and Vernon where she made many lasting friendships. Jo took great pride in the achievements of her children for whom she was always supportive, caring, and whom she guided with a steady and unwavering hand. She adored her grandchildren, treasured her friends, and many special dogs throughout her life. Jo enjoyed playing golf, was a highly skilled quilt maker, an avid reader, and an astute business person. With uncomplaining acceptance and dignity, Jo coped with COPD for several years and laterally with cancer. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends – and cherished forever. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, #300, 1021 – 10th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 0B7 Telephone: (403) 209-6134. In living memory of Jo Anderson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.