Monday, December 28, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.
Kwan, Joni May
JONI MAY KWAN was the first child born to Wayne and Elsie Kwan. She went to school through grade 12 in Lethbridge and maintained many good friends from her school days throughout her life.
JONI MAY KWAN was the first child born to Wayne and Elsie Kwan. She went to school through grade 12 in Lethbridge and maintained many good friends from her school days throughout her life.
In the early 80's, she went to college in Calgary to learn to be a travel consultant and returned to Lethbridge to begin her career at All World Travel. She was one of those very lucky few that truly loved her chosen profession. She loved to travel, loved her clients and loved the people she worked with. She spent more than thirty years sending people to every corner of the world.
In 1989, she married her husband Jack Houtekamer and soon after, started their little family. We always felt it was the most magical time in our lives. Joni loved her children dearly and was fiercely proud of them. She endured a difficult time as she neared the end but maintained a clean, glad happiness and because of her strength and courage, we were able to continue to enjoy many happy occasions and visits until the end.
Left to mourn her passing are her husband, Jack Houtekamer, daughter Sara Houtekamer (Gerrit) and son Adam Houtekamer (Kate), sister Lorraine (Kayton) Chow and her children, Stephanie, and Chris. She is also survived by her uncle Jimmy Lee and stepmothers Sherrie Kwan and Maria Kwan, as well as numerous cousins across Alberta and British Columbia.
Joni was predeceased by her brother Archie Kwan, who she dearly loved and cared for.
We want to express our most sincere gratitude to the staff at Legacy Lodge. Joni loved them like family and they treated her the same. It was a great comfort to us all, knowing she was so well cared for. Further, we want to show our gratitude to the ALS Society of Alberta. They were a tremendous support to Joni and to all of us.
Following Joni's wishes and due to current COVID-19 regulations, no funeral service will be held.
Guestbook (18)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Joni.
Joni was a beautiful person became good friends will she was in Coaldale. Visited her often at Legacy Lodge. Think of her often, will always be missed my friend.
Joni was the most kindest caring colleague I have ever worked with. Always asking and worrying about how I was . She always asked & loved to hear where the world of travel had taken me throughout her career. She taught me that our clients in travel are always to be treated as our best friends and she lived up to that standard forever .
sincere sympathy to Wayne on the passing of your 1st born daughter Joni May. The passing of a child is never easy - regardless of the time or the health condition. Blessings to the entire family and Joni's children, as a Mother is always a mother and will be missed.
A friend for 30 years in the travel industry we both loved. Flair travel Planners.
I am so sorry to hear about Joni's passing. I hadn't seen Joni much since high school days, but will always remember her smile and how kind of a person she was to everyone. My condolences to her family.
It was great to know Joni. She epitomized grace and pleasantness, kindness and warmth. I loved her constant smile. It was a privilege to know here and spend some time with her.
Saddened to hear of Joni's passing. We had lost track of her since moving from Lethbridge but always appreciated her joyful and helpful demeanour providing professional travel services to us for personal and work related journeys. Our sympathies to Joni's family and friends.
My condolence goes out to Jack and family. May the memory of Joni always be in your hearts and minds forever. We will miss her smile.
So many great memories of Joni and her smiling face when we dealt with her at All World. A true professional and a beautiful person inside and out.
I am very sad to hear of about Joni's passing. I have very fond memories of our times together. Jack, Sarah & Adam, I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. She will be missed.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Thinking of you, at this difficult time
Rest In Peace auntie you will be missed and always remembered
Dear Jack and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dearest Jack, Sara and Adam: How terribly sad I was to hear of Joni's passing. My heart goes out to all of you as I know your sadness is tremendous. Joni was so very dear, sweet and kind. She was a family friend and also assisted me in planning many trips - always so successfully. She did so with such enthusiasm and eagerness. It was so wonderful visiting with her at the ALS walk a year ago as she welcomed all with her bright cheery smile. Your huge support to her in the battle against ALS was truly so amazing and touching. Huge hugs to all of you and much much love, Helen Meszaros
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Dearest Jack and Family May the Love you shared with your beloved wife and mother live forever in your hearts. May the memories and tender thoughts you shared with her bring you comfort and lasting peace. So very sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful lady.
Jack, Sarah, Adam and family, please accept my sincerest condolences in Joni's passing. I had the pleasure to work directly with her for 10 years and was a travel colleague for 21 + years. I'm glad I had a chance to visit her earlier this year and have lots of laughs and share memories. Joni, sweet girl, you will be missed by all of those who love you. Rest my friend xxx
My condolences to Joni's family although it has been a long while since I have seen Joni I have fond memories of high school together with her June,Darcy and Shelley Rest In Peace Joni?