Obituary of Joanne DeGroot

December 8, 1940 - May 9, 2022

When Joanne DeGroot left us on May 9, 2022 for her heavenly home with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, it was a huge loss for her loving, devoted, caring husband, Simon. He is happy for her relief from her failing body, but misses his dearest wife of 58 years.

 

Joanne was born in Everson, WA to Matt and Ann Murphy and was big sister to Albert and Bernard (predeceased in 2019). She worked in an office in Bellingham until a dashing young man fell for her and after marriage whisked her off to Canada. They resided in Prince Rupert,, Castlegar and finally settled in Surrey. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the last time he “fell for her” because on April 28^th, while entering the hospital to visit Joanne, he “fell” again breaking his hip and is struggling to regain mobility.

 

A significant time in Joanne’s life was when she accepted that the Lord Jesus had paid for her sins on the cross of Calvary. This realization shaped her life choices and she gladly dedicated herself to Sunday School teaching, supporting missionaries, hospitality in their home to both friends and strangers, and to being a “mother” to many young persons.

 

Over the years, Simon and Joanne enjoyed camping in their tent trailer and trips to their favourite hotel on the Oregon coast. Their several vacations to the Netherlands to visit family and explore the country were times they both enjoyed.

 

Besides her husband, she is survived by her brother, three sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, many nieces and nephews and dear friends. The staff at Elim Village in Harrison West is appreciated for their compassionate care to Joanne.

 

In lieu of flowers, if desired, please consider donating to Gospel Perpetuating Foundation www.gpfcanada.ca (designated “in memory of…..”) or Elim Village via www.canadahelps.org. (Under Donate, search Elim Foundation Surrey).

Graveside service: Friday, May 27th at 2:00pm at Surrey Centre Cemetery - 16671 Old McLellan Road, Surrey.

Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  

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