Obit: VENNER, Joanne Elizabeth [née MacDONALD]

["Eric Keys" <Eric_Keys_uid84@yahoogroups.invalid>]

Venner, Joanne Elizabeth (MacDonald) -- Died January 23, 2011 in Truro.
Born November 12, 1942 in Advocate and raised in Joggins by loving
parents, Joanne was the first in her family to attend university,
receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University in 1964.
Summer work took her to Jasper Park Lodge where she met her future
husband Michael Venner. Outside of a short stint in Ottawa where she
worked with the Canadian Union of Students, Western Canada would remain
her home until the 1990s. Living in Edmonton, Saskatoon and White Rock,
BC, Joanne made her mark on each location with her volunteer work,
entertaining and with the many friends who blessed her lifetime. Joanne
had a unique gift for making friends and evoked community wherever she
lived. In Edmonton she established herself as a popular caterer with her
company Venerable Feast which travelled with Joanne to her various
homes. In 1993 she and her husband, a trustee in bankruptcy, moved back
to Nova Scotia where they set up Venner and Associates. She worked as
office manager for the business until it was sold in 2006. Joanne had
been actively involved in the Newcomers Club since she first moved to
Saskatoon in 1984. Upon arrival in Truro, she discovered no such
organization so she quickly set about establishing a successful club. In
recent years her hobbies have included Mahjong, gathering with friends
and swimming in the Northumberland Strait. Joanne is survived by her
daughters Ellen Venner-Hiltz (Dr. Gregory Hiltz) and Megan Venner (WO
Scott Beeston), by beloved grandchildren Carter, Madeline, Griffin and
Broden Hiltz; and Samantha, Isaac and Eric Beeston. She is also survived
by her birth mother, Beth McGillis (Hicks); half-siblings Jack McGillis
and Karen Moscaluck. She was predeceased by her husband of 38 years
Michael Venner, her parents Irving and Dorothy MacDonald and her in-laws
Albert and Marjorie Venner. Visitation will be held in Colchester
Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro on Thursday, January
27th from 7 until 9pm. An open floor will be offered at 8 pm for anyone
wishing to share fond memories or thoughts of Joanne. A memorial service
will be held at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 23 Church
Street, Truro on Saturday, January 29th at 2 pm, Rev. Lori Ramsey
officiating with a reception to follow. If desired, donations may be
made to the Colchester-East Hants Community Hospice Society
(902)893-3265 or a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made at
www.colchestercommunity.com
[Tuesday, 25-January-2011 Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro, NS]
[collected by EMKeys 2011-01-25]
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