Obituary of JO-ANN ARLENE BEILMAN

JO-ANN ARLENE BEILMAN

nee Johnston

August 17, 1953 to April 3, 2025

Sadly, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Jo-Ann.

Jo-Ann leaves to mourn; her husband of forty-nine years Alan, her children Kevin (Emily), Jennifer (Jeff), Melissa (Ben), Carol-Lynn (Clark) and Kimberley (Erik). Also left to mourn are her grandchildren Elizabeth, Ainsley, Ava-re, Griffin, Elias, Isabel, Margot, Blake, and Casey, as well as sisters Sharron (Bill), Donna, Susan and brother Alan.

Jo-Ann was born the second of five children to Lyle and Beatrice Johnston in Winnipeg Manitoba. She lived and attended school in the West Kildonan area of Winnipeg. After her graduation from high school, she was employed at the Manitoba Credit Union Central Office as a secretary.

Just before her graduation in 1971 Jo-Ann and Alan met, and five years later they were married at St Anthony’s Parish. After a short honeymoon, the newly weds left for northern Manitoba where Alan began his teaching career. Their first home was at Moose Lake where Alan taught, and Jo-Ann was school secretary. Five years later the two moved to the mining town of Snow Lake where they would spend the next twenty-eight years raising their five children.

For most of her Snow Lake years Jo-Ann was at home with her children, but she became more and more involved in the community. She volunteered with the local Guides groups, the figure skating club, the Catholic Women’s League, the Aurora Borealis Arts Council and the Snow Lake Hospital Auxiliary Committee.

When the kids grew up, married and became parents of their own Jo-Ann settled into a new role – Grandma. She attended the births of her daughters’ children and helped them navigate the first days of motherhood. She then spent the rest of her time engaging the grandchildren in all kinds of activities and crafts. The new home in Transcona became a hub of fun, good treats and great meals.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May the 6, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 710 Roanoke St. in Transcona. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be sent if so desired to Siloam Mission, Agape Table or a charity of your choosing.