Currie, Joanne Elizabeth (nee Richardson)
Currie,Joanne Elizabeth (nee Richardson)
September 19, 1959 – January 29, 2025
Joanne Elizabeth Currie, affectionately known as Jo, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 29, 2025, in Strathmore. Born on September 19, 1959, in High River, Jo’s life was a tapestry of love, selflessness and creativity that touched all who knew her.
Jo’s journey began as the daughter of Bud (deceased) and Ruth Richardson (Weisenburger), and she grew up alongside her siblings Doug, Deb (Frank) and Kirk (Kim). She was married to (S.E.) Ted Currie for over 42 years. From the beginning, Jo was thrilled to be ‘Mom #2’ to Kevin and Jodi. Jo was a cherished member of a large, loving family that included Ted’s siblings Judi (deceased), Sandi, and Rob as well as numerous nieces and nephews – Nathan, Val, Derrick (DJ), Chad, Dax, Keisha, and Ted’s nieces Leah and Dani. She also had a special place in her heart for her great-nephew and nieces, Lennox, Cheyenne, and Breezy. She thoroughly enjoyed time with her very special heart-sister friend, Robbie; and treasured the many close friends who she held dear in her life. Jo’s compassionate heart extended to her beloved dog, Gibson, who was a constant and loyal companion.
Jo’s passion for nurturing extended beyond her family. She returned to school as an adult and proudly attained her Level 2 Early Childhood Services certificate from Mount Royal University in Calgary. With this knowledge, she operated her own home-based daycare, focusing on the care of babies under two years old. Her generosity and love for children were evident in the way she embraced this role, providing a warm and loving environment for the little ones she cared for. Jo was the absolute ‘Best Auntie’ to many! She helped Deb to raise Chad and Dax with her loving guidance and inherent knowledge. Auntie Jo was so very proud of the men they are.
Traveling and camping in their RV to many places in Canada and the United States, with a 4-legged family member, was thoroughly enjoyed together with Ted. They went to Hawaii with Kevin and Jodi in the early 1990’s celebrating New Year’s Eve all together ~ it was a memorable trip for them. Jo traveled to China (on her own) for their 20th wedding anniversary to be with Ted (who was working there).
Creativity was one of Jo’s most remarkable attributes. She was extremely proficient at making a wide variety of crafts, particularly anything Christmas themed which included stockings, decorations, and ornaments, which she lovingly gifted to family and friends near and far. These creations, given with love, were a testament to her artistic spirit and generous nature. Jo also found pleasure in the pages of a good book, the serenity of walking through open fields ~ a favorite activity since she was a young girl, and in the simple joy of her favorite song, ‘Bridle Hanging on the Wall’. Joanne enjoyed singing (and giggling) with the Airdrie Ladies choir group for many years. After Jo and Ted moved from Airdrie, she enjoyed the annual Christmas reunion lunch where she would gift everyone with one of her handmade creations, marking the occasion.
Purple Lilacs held a special place in Jo’s heart as her favorite flower, reflecting her love for the colour purple. She found happiness in the ‘new baby smell’, the festive spirit of Christmas (such that she’d announce with a chuckle in early January just how many days until Christmas), the beauty of Fall, and the comforting ritual and routine of coffee time. Her giving spirit was exemplified when she and Ted came home early from a cruise to help Kirk, Kim and baby Keisha during a time of need. Keisha always remained ‘Jo’s girl’.
Selfless, generous and creative are words that best describe Jo. She lived by the principle that ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’, a sentiment famously expressed by Mahatma Gandhi. This philosophy was evident in every aspect of her life, from her devotion to family to her care for the children she looked after and the crafts she shared. A not-so-famous sentiment shared by Robbie about Jo follows: ‘… she knew when to speak up/for you but mostly to listen and just love you’.
Joanne Elizabeth Currie’s legacy is one of unwavering kindness and selfless service. Her memory will be cherished, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have felt the warmth (but not too warm … IYKYK) of her presence. As we say farewell to Jo, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart generously shared. Her spirit will continue to inspire and comfort those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Joanne’s memory will be cherished and kept alive through those she touched with her extraordinary compassion and grace.
In the event you would like to contribute to an organization on behalf of Jo; please consider donating to: Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society, 7877 Skimikin Road, Chase, B.C. V0E 1M1. Website: turtlevalleydonkeyrefuge.com