Obituary for Joanne Margaret Marie Cassell (Cassell)
Joanne Cassell
July 25th, 1951 - Wednesday, August 21st, 2019
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandma & friend to many Joanne “Jo Jo” Margaret Marie Cassell, at the age of 68, of Calgary, AB, on August 21st, 2019. She was born to parents Frances & William Cassell, on July 25, 1951 in Brockville, Ontario.
Joanne moved to Calgary in 1978 with her young daughter looking for a fresh start, where she found work at the St. Louis Hotel. This is also where her “new” family started to grow. From there she moved on to work at The King Eddy in the 90’s, this is when her complete love of Blues music took hold and never ended. Her CD, picture & memorabilia collection is a testament of that. She would purchase CD’s of every serious artist big or small that came through the doors. This career carried her through until the sad day the Eddy closed in 2004. She was highly respected in the Blues community.
She was a dedicated, reliable & hard-working single mom that would do anything for her children. She would always have a hug waiting for anyone who wanted or needed it, & a scolding for anyone who deserved it. Her laugh was infectious, and her generosity had no boundaries.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Grant) Thompson; son, Christopher (Robin) Villeneuve, the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Eric, Evan, Jessica, Gabriel & Jasper. She leaves behind her siblings, Bill (Lynn) Cassell, Carol (Larry) Smith & Eleanor Cassell, and numerous nieces & nephews. Finally, the countless amounts of friends she has made over the years is a list that would take a lifetime to write down. Joanne is predeceased by her brother, Gordon (Donna) Cassell.
Our hearts are full of gratitude and peace knowing she made this world a better place in her short time here. She would say her biggest accomplishments in life were her children & grandchildren, she was so proud of them all & told everyone she talked to this, while beaming with love.
A very special thanks to the National Music Centre in conjunction with the help of Cindy McLeod for allowing us to host a Celebration of Life in the most fitting place we could possibly think of The “New” King Eddy Hotel, which will include music provided by numerous Blues players who were dear to Joanne. Located at 438 9th Avenue SE, in Calgary, AB from 4:00pm-9:00pm on Sunday September 15th.
We ask that in lieu of any flowers or gifts that a donation be made to:
The Joanne Cassell Scholarship for Woman in Blues
c/o The Calgary Blues Music Association
#188, A6433 Bowness Road NW
Calgary, AB T3B 0E6
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Joanne please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
July 25th, 1951 - Wednesday, August 21st, 2019
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandma & friend to many Joanne “Jo Jo” Margaret Marie Cassell, at the age of 68, of Calgary, AB, on August 21st, 2019. She was born to parents Frances & William Cassell, on July 25, 1951 in Brockville, Ontario.
Joanne moved to Calgary in 1978 with her young daughter looking for a fresh start, where she found work at the St. Louis Hotel. This is also where her “new” family started to grow. From there she moved on to work at The King Eddy in the 90’s, this is when her complete love of Blues music took hold and never ended. Her CD, picture & memorabilia collection is a testament of that. She would purchase CD’s of every serious artist big or small that came through the doors. This career carried her through until the sad day the Eddy closed in 2004. She was highly respected in the Blues community.
She was a dedicated, reliable & hard-working single mom that would do anything for her children. She would always have a hug waiting for anyone who wanted or needed it, & a scolding for anyone who deserved it. Her laugh was infectious, and her generosity had no boundaries.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Grant) Thompson; son, Christopher (Robin) Villeneuve, the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Eric, Evan, Jessica, Gabriel & Jasper. She leaves behind her siblings, Bill (Lynn) Cassell, Carol (Larry) Smith & Eleanor Cassell, and numerous nieces & nephews. Finally, the countless amounts of friends she has made over the years is a list that would take a lifetime to write down. Joanne is predeceased by her brother, Gordon (Donna) Cassell.
Our hearts are full of gratitude and peace knowing she made this world a better place in her short time here. She would say her biggest accomplishments in life were her children & grandchildren, she was so proud of them all & told everyone she talked to this, while beaming with love.
A very special thanks to the National Music Centre in conjunction with the help of Cindy McLeod for allowing us to host a Celebration of Life in the most fitting place we could possibly think of The “New” King Eddy Hotel, which will include music provided by numerous Blues players who were dear to Joanne. Located at 438 9th Avenue SE, in Calgary, AB from 4:00pm-9:00pm on Sunday September 15th.
We ask that in lieu of any flowers or gifts that a donation be made to:
The Joanne Cassell Scholarship for Woman in Blues
c/o The Calgary Blues Music Association
#188, A6433 Bowness Road NW
Calgary, AB T3B 0E6
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Joanne please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.