Lausen, Josephine Marguerite 

Lausen,Josephine Marguerite 

Oct. 30, 1935 – July 8, 2024

Josephine Marguerite Lausen (Jo) of Strathmore, Alberta passed away on July 8, 2024, at the age of 88. 

Jo was a remarkable woman who found joy in gardening and cooking. She especially loved baking chocolate chip cookies for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her culinary skills, Jo had a passion for writing poetry, often composing heartfelt verses about her family.

Jo’s dedication to farming was evident throughout her life. She and her husband Len worked side by side, cultivating the land for 63 years. Their commitment to agriculture extended beyond their own farm, as they hosted trainees through the International Agriculture Exchange program, welcoming them into their home as part of their own family.

Community involvement was important to Jo. She held various volunteer positions, with the Wheatland Whirlers square dancers and Rural Crime Watch.

The holiday season held a special place in Jo’s heart, she loved hosting family Christmas dinners. Preparing feasts for 20-24 loved ones was fun for her, seeing the table filled with delicious food would bring a smile to Jo’s face, and she would eagerly exclaim, “let’s eat.”

One of Jo’s fondest memories was her trip to Denmark and Europe with Len. They cherished the experience and often reminisced about the treasures they brought back.

Jo is survived by her son, Lorne (Deb), grandsons Chad (Melanie) and Curtis (Natasha), and great-grandchildren Cade, Josh, Amy, Luke, and Isabel. She is also survived by her sister Gwen Lausen (Robert), Brother and Sister in law Maynard and Emilie Lausen and numerous nieces and nephews. Jo was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, Len Lausen, her brother Dick Stollery, sister Dorothy Kermack, brother-in-law Ron Kermack, and her parents Frank and E. Grace Stollery.

Jo was a dedicated farmwife and best friend to her husband Len. She will be remembered for her love for the farm and her family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Allison Clarke and her staff for the exceptional care provided to Jo and Len throughout the years.  Thanks also to the staff and physicians at the Strathmore Hospital for their care and support during Jo’s stays, and to the friendly registration staff, who always greeted us with a smile.   Special thanks to Strathmore Homecare and Bayshore Health for treating Jo and Len like family and assisting them in their desire to remain on the farm.

“When I die you need not weep,

For with the lord my soul will keep,

My life on earth has been the best,

But now it’s time to take a rest,

Chad and Curtis the light of my life,

My husband, our son and his wife,

My ashes you can put somewhere,

To be buried with Len, that’s all I care.

Our goodnight kiss will have to wait,

Until we meet at a later date.

                                                            by Jo Lausen

In honor of Jo’s memory, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to a charity of your choice.  A private family service will be held for Jo and Len at a later date.

God saw you getting tired,

And a cure was not to be

So He put his arms around you

And He whispered “Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you

And saw you pass away.

And though we loved you dearly,

We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard-working hands at rest,

And although our hearts were broken

We know God knows best.