Obituary of Jo-Ann Mary Duncan

Jo-Ann Mary Duncan (nee Bell)

May 2, 1952 – September 5, 2024

Peacefully, at home, as she wished, Jo-Ann passed on after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer on September 5, 2024, at the age of 72 years. 

She will be greatly missed by her husband of over 40 years, Bruce; sister Sandy (John); son Justin; grandsons: Doryan (Bonnie), Devlin, Brennan, Theron and Meroh; sisters-in-law, Karen (Ted) and Colleen (Roy), brother-in-law, Darrell; nieces and nephews: Valerie, Heidi (Gabriel), Debbie (Libor), Joey (Leif), Lacey, Adriana (Chad), Michael (Romana), numerous other nieces and nephews; several great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Joseph, mother, Phyllis; sisters, Diane and Leta and her half-brother in England.

Jo-Ann was born in Brooks, Alberta but lived most of her life in Winnipeg.  She attended Sisler High School and worked for many years at MTS but was forced to retire early for health reasons.

Jo-Ann had both a passion and talent for music.  She played several instruments and performed in choir and high school musicals.  She sang at many family events, often with her sister Leta, and in her young adult years travelled across Canada singing in the band Celebration.

Jo-Ann loved the outdoors spending many happy times at the family cottage in Winnipeg Beach and later at her sister’s home in Gimli.  She also enjoyed travelling with Bruce both to the east and west coasts of Canada, to Yellowstone and other destinations in the U.S.

Jo-Ann loved her grandsons and would do anything for them.  She was also an animal lover and had many cats and dogs throughout her life.

Jo-Ann was baptized and raised in the Lutheran church and had a strong faith in God. 

The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers of the WRHA Palliative Care Program especially ‘Big Mac’ and Dr. Bruce Martin for their compassionate, excellent care of Jo-Ann in her last days as well as, the many friends and neighbours who assisted the family both physically and emotionally.

As per Jo-Ann’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Research.