With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother Joanne Marie "Jo" Varey on January 31st, 2026, in Winnipeg Manitoba at the age of 66.

She so painfully leaves behind her husband of 42 years, Michael, her daughter Kristin, husband Matt and their children Lincoln and Sophie, as well as her daughter Kayla, her husband Brad, along with their children, Olive and Bentley; and her son Erik, his girlfriend Raquel and their puppies. She also leaves behind her sisters Cindy (Greg), Lori (Steve), Debbie (late husband Wayne) and Greg (Lauren). She was also a loving aunt to Mandi, Tegan, Tara, Brett, Lisa, Ryan, Aliya, Jayden and Kye and was devoted to them and their children. A friend and confidant to so many.

Jo was born on St. Patrick's Day March 17th, 1959, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Joanne brought light and laughter into the world from the very beginning. She grew up in Transcona alongside her siblings Debbie, Cindy, Lori and Greg, raised by her loving parents William and Marie Andrushko. From a young age, Joanne was known for her fearless spirit and vibrant personality. A popular teenager with many friends, she graduated from Murdoch Mckay High School in 1975. Joanne had a couple of serving jobs like working at Chi-Chi's s but her real passion was taking care of others. Joanne's path to nursing was inspired by caring for her beloved Grandma Mary. That early experience ignited a lifelong passion for caregiving that led her to become a registered nurse - a career she embraced with unmatched dedication and compassion. Joanne spent many years of her career working in Geriatrics at the St. Boniface Hospital and was most recently and currently employed with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Joanne loved her job. She told her kids she would stop working when she didn't like it any more and she never stopped working. Her patients and colleagues alike admired her kindness, humor, attentiveness and unwavering patience. She truly loved being a nurse and was exceptionally gifted at it. She met life-long friends that she still stayed in touch with many years later.

Joanne met the love of her life, Michael, at the age of 19. They married on November 5th, 1983 when she was 24 years old and went on to build a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter and adventure. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter Kristin in 1986, their daughter Kayla in 1988 and their son Erik in 1992, completing their loud, busy and very loving household. Joanne's life revolved around her children and later her grandchildren. She supported every endeavor her children pursued from sports like soccer, ringette, hockey and bodybuilding to adult leagues where she continued to cheer them on from the sidelines.

Joanne’s zest for life was evident in everything she did. She enjoyed sports and camping and had a deep affection for sun-soaked beaches. She often traveled with her husband Mike to tropical destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cuba and the Dominican Republic always seeking sunshine to bask in. Family vacations included unforgettable trips to Disney World, Mexico, ValleyFair, Banff, Kelowna and countless camping trips that created cherished memories for Kristin, Kayla and Erik. When her two daughters got pregnant simultaneously, twice, she was so excited. Joanne adored being grandma. Her pride in Olive, Lincoln, Bentley and Sophie knew no bounds. She showered them with love and attention that made each child feel uniquely special. The bond they shared was deep and joyful. They miss her so much. Joanne had many passions.

She was an avid reader who could finish several novels during a single vacation. Favorites included "Outlander" and other romance fantasy series. She had a deep love for music. Dancing in the kitchen requesting song after song; music brought out her radiant spirit. With a glass of Hochtaler in hand at family gatherings or around campfires at Lilac with "nice" snacks ready to share, Joanne was always the life of the party. She played a mean game of cribbage and wasn't afraid to get dirty or dive into fun. At age 50 she got her first tattoo, a sandal on her ankle and later added a small diamond nose stud because she'd always wanted one. These little acts reflect her boldness and authenticity. She lived big and unapologetically. Her strength was unmatched, instilled not only through words but through example and it lives on in those who loved her most. Her generosity knew no limits whether it was care packages across provinces or making everyone feel seen during gatherings, large or small - Joanne made people feel loved.

She was predeceased by her mother, Marie Andrushko, whom she lived honoring and missing her, her father William Andrushko and her brother-in-law Wayne Zajac.

Joanne leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo through generations. Her absence creates a void that can never be filled - but her memory will forever shine bright in the hearts of all who knew her. May we carry forward her laughter, strength and warmth - and may we always dance when our favorite song comes on.

Rest easy Jo, Mom – you were truly one of a kind.

A special thanks to Sobering Funeral Chapel and our Uncle Greg for their unwavering kindness and grace during our time of need.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Gates on Roblin, 6945 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB.

We will be celebrating Joanne the way she would have wanted. Stories, memories and music will be shared highlighting the amazing Grandma, Mother and Wife she was.

Have I told you lately that I Love you? oh yes I do. oh yes I do.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com