Obituary of Joanne Mary RAMEY (nee Vlnieska)

June 6, 1946 –  Edmonton, Alberta
February 14, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Joanne Ramey of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the age of 74 years.

Vendo and Emilia Vlnieska were blessed with four beautiful daughters, Margret, Lena, Eva and the youngest, Joanne. Right from the start Joanne, or "Jo" as her father called her, was always on the go being very involved in school and extracurricular activities/sports.

Joanne married Jerry (Norman) in 1966, and shortly after in 1967 they adoringly welcomed their daughter Liza into the world. Nearly three years later in 1970 they were blessed with their son Jerald (Jerry). Joanne skillfully juggled being a wife, a career woman who took various night courses to advance her career, and a very involved mother, who always put her children first and even fostered two additional children for many years.

Joanne was the most amazing grandmother to her three grandchildren, Jerald and Charlotte’s daughter Jessica, and Liza and Larry’s children, Emelia and Cody. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, there was never an event that she did not attend, nor a moment (big or small) of their lives that she missed.

She was the matriarch of our family always organizing a family dinner or family event, or her favourite; a round of golf with her son Jerry or her "favorite son-in-law" Larry. They were just a few of the victims Joanne persuaded onto the green.

Joanne and Jerry had earned their wings and became full-fledged Snow Birds creating a second nest down in Palm Springs, CA. Even after Jerry passed, Joanne continued to visit her second home and friends annually up until Covid 19. Another highlight for Joanne was our annual family card tournament, when all of our extended family would get together in either Alberta or British Columbia and have a King Pedro Card Tournament. She claimed to only like these tournaments for the company and not for the cards, however when she won, she would celebrate her victory. Not only was it a celebration of family but also a celebration of her proud Slovakian roots.

Joanne retired in 2001 after a very accomplished career with TELUS for twenty-nine years. She was recently awarded the　prestigious Legends Award for 2020, which is the highest recognition award that a TELUS retiree can achieve.

For most people, retirement means relaxing and slowing down, but for Joanne it was often joked that she was busier in her retirement than when she was still working. This amazing woman was in all ways the definition of a busy-body. Joanne was a proud member of numerous organizations, all of them being so close to her heart. She was a very passionate and dedicated member of the TELUS Ambassadors, often volunteering and supporting various causes. Not only did Joanne love the game of golf and would golf everyday if she could (sometimes even twice a day), she was also dedicated to the community of golf by volunteering for various tournaments both in Canada and the United States; her pride and joy was the Shaw Charity Classic.

Joanne touched the lives of a great number of people throughout her life, her career and her volunteering. She was an incredible friend, and valued her friendships greatly.

Joanne is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Liza and Larry Craig and their son Cody Craig; and granddaughter Jessica Lomenda, the daughter of her late son Jerry. She is also survived by her older sister Lena Babiy, Eva Pavicik, as well as her adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joanne was predeceased by her husband Jerry (Norman), her son Jerald (Jerry), her granddaughter Emelia Craig, and her sister Margret Bieleny.

Forever in My Heart
Gone, yet not forgotten
Although we are apart
Your Spirit lives within me
Forever in my heart.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held, on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Joanne Ramey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, CALGARY, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.