Obituary of Gertrude “Joanne” DENNIS

March 10, 1938 – Hercules, Alberta

February 3, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Gertrude Joanne Dennis (nee Brese) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the age of 82 years.

Joanne graduated from Salisbury High School, and excelled at secretarial training. She met Bruce while working at Canadian Chemical Company in Edmonton. They married on October 1, 1960, and enjoyed forty-seven years of marriage before Bruce’s passing in 2008. Joanne was a homemaker and raised four children. Later, her accuracy as a typist led her to work in an insurance company, and supported Bruce in his work as a self-employed Accountant. Joanne expressed herself well and spent time over the years participating in volunteer work, this included writing and editing newsletters. Her volunteer work as La Leche League co-leader and Canadian newsletter writer was very dear to her heart.

Joanne had a passion for contract bridge and achieved a Silver Life Member status with the American Contract Bridge League. Bruce and Joanne played several games a week with local clubs, and they travelled to attend regional tournaments in Western Canada and Northern USA. She became an active member at Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, and thoughtfully prepared and delivered intercession prayers. We recall how large her passion was for cooking. She tried new recipes and once had her own recipe published in the Calgary Herald. Stitching for petit-point and needlepoint pictures was a lifetime hobby, and the cross-stitch birth samplers prepared for family and friends are cherished by the recipients. She wore bright colours and always had an artistic flair. Joanne had an affinity for butterflies, suggesting a connection to metamorphosis and the ability to fly. Bruce and Joanne developed a regular circuit of art shows, at which they enjoyed meeting local artists and buying new pieces of art. That led to the artwork needing rotation when they had so many pieces and not enough wall space.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Marianne Dennis, and former son-in-law Gregory Toogood of Edmonton, AB; and three sons, John “Cameron” of Edmonton, AB, Robert (Catherine) of Mill Creek, Washington, and Allan, and former daughter-in-law Cornelia of Ottawa, ON; four grandchildren, Jenna Toogood of Edmonton, AB, Ewan Dennis of Mill Creek, Washington, Leona Dennis of Berlin, Germany, and Alanna Dennis of Montreal, QC. Joanne is also survived by her brother Barry (Elizabeth) of Parkland County, AB, and sister Judy of Canmore, AB; as well as nephew Morris, and nieces, Minette, Joy and Melanie. Joanne was predeceased by her parents, Lillian and Bill, by grandson Christopher in 1990, and by her husband Bruce in 2008.

Private Funeral Services will be held in Calgary, AB, on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join Mrs. Dennis’ service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Joanne supported many charities in her lifetime and if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Foundation, Community Fund at https://payment.csfm.com/donations/calgaryfoundation/ or by cheque payable to Calgary Foundation mailed to Suite 1180, 105 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB, T2G 1A1. This is an organization that has many philanthropic activities in the City of Calgary.

Joanne spent the last years of her life at Cedars Villa nursing home. The family would like to thank all the nursing home staff for their loving care.

In living memory of G. Joanne Dennis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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Joanne's memorial card can be viewed by clicking this link