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JOANNE JURIMAE Obituary
Joanne Marie Jurimae (née Desimone), born on November 24, 1954 passed away peacefully and on her own terms on August 18, 2025.
Joanne was a graduate of Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (Thunder Bay) and the George Brown College (Toronto) where she earned her nursing degree. Nursing was her life's calling and she spent the majority of her nursing career caring for patients at Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto and Lion's Gate Hospital in Vancouver where she excelled.
Joanne lived her life with grace, resilience, and deep devotion to those she loved. She was a woman of quiet strength and unwavering determination to provide compassionate care and comfort to her patients.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Marie and William Desimone.
She is survived by her former spouse and lifelong best friend, Tom Jurimae who was by her side during her illness and with whom she shared enduring respect and companionship, and by their beloved daughter, Natalie, who was the greatest joy of her life.
She is also survived by her sister, Michele Desimone (Brampton), her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Lori Desimone (Thunder Bay) as well as many relatives from the Desimone, Jurimae, Pomanti, Liotta and Restivo families in Thunder Bay and Toronto. Joanne's bond with her family was unshakable, and she leaves behind a legacy of love for them.
Joanne will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her thoughtful nature, her ability to find beauty in life and her special affection for her favorite city and residence, North Vancouver. Her memory will remain a blessing to her family and to her very many good friends.
In accordance with Joanne's wishes, no funeral service will be held. If you wish, you may donate, in her memory, to the Canadian Cancer Society or a Charity of Your Choice.
Joanne, your life was amazing and your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure by all your family and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOANNE JURIMAE
10 Entries
Iris Nacey
September 8, 2025
We had a good run Jo you and I . From Thunder Bay high school to North Vancouver neighbours . We raised our children together becoming aunties to one another´s kids. We always made time to have fun together with our families and on our own. We shared our young years ,middle years and senior years. What a privilege to have had you in my life. Wish it could have lasted longer but grateful for the time we had. I will always remember you and love you . I sure hope we meet on the other side or another lifetime. Fly free my friend, hope the desert is good up there . Love Iris
Bianca Nieken
September 8, 2025
I was very sad to hear of Joanne´s passing. I enjoyed her conversation and witty humour when I did see her with our mutual friend Iris Nacey.
She was very stoic lady, and loyal and devoted mother. RIP Joanne
Lucie Bouchard
September 8, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joanne passing.
You were a wonderful mother and will miss you so much.
My sincere condolences to Tom, Natalie and family.
Joni Atkinson
September 7, 2025
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tom and family for the loss of Joanne. We spent classes and friendship together at PACI. Although time has passed, happy memories remain. May thoughts of joyful times give you comfort.
Trixie jackson
September 7, 2025
Lovely lady and fun on the dragon boat. Fond memories
Debbie
September 6, 2025
This was initially written out so I wouldn´t forget when I called Joanne - I was too late but feeling she has seen it in her afterlife.
Joanne,
I am so sorry that this horrible illness has taken over your body. You have been the best friend anyone could have asked for. You came into my life when I so needed stability all those 60 years ago.
Although we haven´t connected often we always kept in touch and I have always treasured our talks. I will always remember our birthday calls being a day apart and if we hadn´t connected we did then.
You have always given me perspective and grounded me, for that I will never forget and praise you. I love you so much and will never have a friend that "says it like it is" in few words and always positive.
I can only hope that I was able to do the same for you.
I remember sitting at the kitchen nook with your Mom then she´d go off to give us girls our time. Oh my; drinking the cold room wine - I didn´t touch wine for at least 40 years - turns out I don´t like red but enjoy white.
So many memories, I will always treasure.
Tom and Nat will be okay eventually because of you!
You will be with all of us and most certainly, never forgotten.
My condolences to all who crossed paths with Joanne; a true angel.
Louise Peterson
September 6, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joanne´s passing. I only worked with her in passing, but will always remember her ready smile and warmth, her incredible kindness, and her unending generosity and professionalism with both her patients and coworkers.
I am very grateful to have known Joanne, and will miss her dearly.
Capt. Brian Hudson
September 6, 2025
Joanne was truly a tremendous friend to me and will be sorely missed.
Tom, Joanne and Natalie welcomed me in their N. Vancouver home while studying for my Ocean Masters license at the Pacific Marine Training Institute.
I am walking in September for the Cancer Society in her Memory. It´s a 50 km walk, I´ve already walked 28 km and hope to hit at least 100 km.
Joanne, may you Rest in Peace!
I was fortunate to visit with Joanne and Joanie on her Farewell Tour in Thunder in August...
Tom Jurimae
September 6, 2025
I will miss you with all my being. I still see you in Natalie when she smiles and laughs. You helped her accept our world and brought out her unique personality. You lived two separate lives. Focus and empathy made you popular with colleagues and patients in your nursing career. You shared yourself with friends and family while never burdening them with the difficulty of raising a child with special needs. Your other life was guiding your daughter´s development which was a full time commitment. You still made time for yourself which usually involved keeping in touch with friends old and new and reading a good book. In retirement she continued working because she enjoyed the challenge and connections it brought. She continued to be a front line support for Natalie. She left us so quickly but continued to keep the pain to herself. We appreciated the care she received while at Lion´s Gate and North Shore Hospice. She will always be alive in my memories
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