I was deeply saddened to have learned that Joanne passed away. A shock to say the least. We spoke shortly before her accident and then our lives got busy and we didn't have the opportunity to visit in person, ever again. It is shocking - as I tried to find her to no avail. I will miss her. We enjoyed our covid watches - texting and calling to make sure we were both ok. We ended our conversations with hightened motivation to get moving on those administrative tasks life presents us. She always made me laugh and sometimes brought a little nervous to the scene with all of the open files she had! Joanne in the last years of her life (from when we knew each other) had a very busy life and it was wonderful to see her putting together some pieces to bring her calmness and working to ensure that her legacy would see her property go into the park system and to give all those birds a resting place forever. I still remember the coincidence of having on Cross Country Checkup and hearing her come on the radio to share her thoughts. It was not something I listened to in years, but her reasoning was impeccable and I paid attention. Although she would always have something on the go, even renovating a bathroom at 3 AM, she was working towards calmness and peace. Life was both challenging and wonderful for her. She has found her peace. A few things left unfinished :) but she has found her peace. I will miss her company and her stories. Her life was lived fully! The grace, the challenges, the kindness and compassion she shared with so many. I still cannot get over her trip on a motorcycle to South America and each time I introduced her to friends who travelled, I would ask her to tell the motorcycle story. Easter dinner this year with my famiy and friends marked the first time she was out socially. Despite running late, she arrived dressed dressed elegantly and ready to engage all of us in great stories. With Joanne each person that was around her was important. She always made a gentle effort to learn more about them. Her education, intelligence and communication skills were something to admire. Those who knew a person like Joanne had so much depth and beauty as a person and as a soul were fortunate. You will be missed Joanne. My heart is sad, yet my soul is happy because you are free. Thank you for the time we shared. Thank you for being my friend.

So very shocked to read Joanne's obituary this morning. I knew Joanne Hedenstrom while we attended school together in Lethbridge in the fifties at the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute/LCI. A truly lovely young woman to know and admire. Had many good qualities about her then and heard that she ran for public office and had a love of the outdoors and Southern Alberta. Sincere sympathy to her family and many friends.