Jo-Anne Patricia HAYCOCK

Left this world as she lived in it - on her own terms - on January 23, 2021, at home in the loving presence of her soulmate and husband, Don. Jo-Anne or Jo as she was known to many, the second eldest of four siblings, was born in 1943 to parents Armand and Ken Merchant in Noranda, Quebec, her beloved hometown. Losing her father at 14 while her older sister Carole (m. Ron Leduc) was off to teachers' college, Jo-Anne adopted the role as the "other" adult in the home, stepping in to help raise a then four month old Sue (m. Guy Parenteau) and then 12 year old Jerry (m. Tina Doughan). The four maintained life-long friendships and continued to be a positive presence in each other's lives no matter what life threw their way. Jo-Anne's mother Armande (nee Robineau; d. 2003) was twice widowed (Kenneth Merchant d. 1958 and Tony Riva d. 1979), and was survived by her third husband, Fred Prey (d. 2006). Jo-Anne came to love siblings Lino Riva (m Lise Rachette) and Elena Riva, Maureen Prey, Holger Prey through these marriages -- an influence on her philosophy in life to embrace a generous definition of family. Jo-Anne was a devoted Mother to her children Arthur "Art" Koberinski (d. 2018), Robert "Rob" Koberinski, and Jodi Koberinski, and to her children by marriage -- Deborah "Debbie" (m. Don Williams), Daryl (m. Emily Forler), and Dan (m. Donna McMahon). Known affectionately as "Bugga" and "Bumpy", Jo-Anne and Don together delighted in being grandparents to Amber, Trevor, Alyssa, Candis, Adam, Rowan, Krystal, Tynan, Caedon, Jessica, Denver, Shane, and Hudson and Great Grandparents to Lowen and Fynn. Don and Jo-Anne hosted these grandbabies regularly, taking them to hockey games, on family vacations, and other adventures too numerous to list. Jo bent over backwards to ensure family got together and was a gracious and generous host of many gatherings over the years. She liked a good party more than most and was an accomplished "Jive" dancer—taking first prize at an Everly Brothers concert in her youth, and never missing an opportunity to dance with her characteristic firecracker energy. She hosted an infamous Oktoberfest family (and family-of-choice) weekend reunion for many years, sometimes with more than forty people in her home. Her hosting skills were matched with an ability to keep anything she owned in mint condition including a showroom ready home. These two hobbies - hosting people and keeping a shipshape home - thankfully were never in conflict, and the latter ensured the former hobby was always a delightful experience for her many, many loved ones. Don and Jo-Anne also hosted large family Christmases for many years, until Jo-Anne adopted her second home in Exuma, Bahamas. A new tradition of Christmas in July was created to appease grandchildren who sorely missed the large family gathering that defined Christmas. Jo maintained friendships over years and found common interest with others. After her career as a Secretary with the City of Kitchener's Parks and Recreation, she maintained a regular luncheon with her co-workers, expanding these to vacations together and sharing major life events. She maintained friendships with the Noranda Girls - later dubbed the O-PALS -- a cohort of women that had known one another since school days that remained friends for life. And in Exuma, Bahamas, Jo-Anne teamed up with the PALS -- a group of American women friends who lived on Island part-time ostensibly formed to do pool exercises together however one could debate it was an excuse for belly laughs. Spending close to six months of the year avoiding the cold and being an engaged community member in Exuma, Bahamas, Jo and Don together hosted many friends and family from all aspects of their lives for twenty years. Hardly a week went by without some form of company. She made deep and lasting friendships with many Islanders and ex-pats. Her Bahamian family - Perry and Deneyne Brown and their daughters Nicki, Petrina, and Jada - loved her as their own, a fate not uncommon to Jo. Whether "Josie", "Jo-Jo", "Bugga", or "Auntie Jo", Jo-Anne had the ability to make friends feel like family and family feel like friends. She made friends everywhere she went - too numerous here to name but as dear to her as family. Her Joy was infectious. She smiled at everyone with a characteristic exuberance and genuine Love for people. Everywhere she went in life, she brought Joy, possibility, and laughter. Her generosity was unparalleled, "adopting" many along the way who did not have the good fortune to be raised in unconditional Love and with a Mother as their biggest fan. As the well wishes have been pouring in from all over the world, so many credit Jo-Anne for helping them to believe in themselves when it seemed no one else would or could. This generosity was extended to perfect strangers, acquaintances, friends, and family without hesitation. She was fond of saying you never know what kind of day someone is having, and your smile and small kindnesses may be the only of each that person has encountered all day. A philosopher and a sounding board, Jo-Anne demands of us all to: find a belly laugh partner and share a good belly-laugh each day; remain positive - there is always some good in every situation and our positive outlook keeps the doors of possibility open; and always remember how worthy we all are of Love. Visit www.henrywalser.com for Jo's Memorial.