Obituary of Joanne Sales

Joanne Sales, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, BC passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020, in Dawson Creek, at the age of 87 years.

Joanne was born the third to ten children of Charles and Aldina Beaupre in Bonnyville, AB on May 9, 1932.

She was born into a very musical family and the Beaupres were well known in Bonnyville and had even had an album produced.

After graduating from high school, Joanne joined the Alberta Treasury Branch and eventually ended up working and living in High Prairie, AB. This is where she met and married the love of her life, Ben Sales in 1959. In 1973 they moved to Dawson Creek which became home. They were best friends and were happily married for almost 50 years until his passing in 2008. They were blessed with three amazing children, Vince, Chris and Karen as well as four grandchildren (Jason, Sasha, Tyler and Vanessa) and four great grandchildren (Denten, Rylan, Seth and Max).

Joanne was happy, caring, always smiling and loved to laugh. She was also strong willed, fiercely independent and feisty. Family was very important to her and made many trips over the years to Bonnyville to spend time with Grandma Beaupre, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. The family spent many summer vacations travelling around Alberta and British Columbia in a station wagon and camping in an old canvas tent; these were pretty close quarters for a family of five. Tradition was important to Joanne and Sunday suppers were always an event. The kitchen table never got any bigger but the family around it did. She took great pride in passing on the skills that she had learned from her mother; whether it be homemade bread, handmade noodles for her famous “good damn” turkey soup, or the best Tourtiere ever made. Joanne loved spending time with her grandchildren especially when they were babies, she embraced the opportunity to spoil them and then give them back to their parents when they started to smell bad. She really cherished her great grandchildren, her smiled beamed just a little more and her eyes shone a little brighter when she held them in her arms.

Joanne had a love for sports not only watching her favorite teams but also participating in curling, bowling, floor curling and swimming. She also loved a good game of cards including Rummy, Bridge and Crib. She also enjoyed baking and knitting and going to teas and bazaars.

She worked at ATB, RBC and North Land Utilities until she retired. She was active with the Hospital Auxiliary and spent many days at the Hospital Gift Shop. Her Roman Catholic faith was a big part of her life and she was a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 55 years.

Joanne was predeceased by her loving husband, Ben and her parents; Charles & Aldina Beaupre.

Joanne is survived by her children; Vince (Susan), Christine (Anthony) and Karen (Brian), grandchildren; Jason (Natalie), Sasha (Brian), Tyler, and Vanessa, great-grandchildren; Denten, Rylan, Seth and Max, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Due to extenuating circumstances surrounding Covid-19 and Government regulations, , a private family funeral service for Joanne was held on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Father Vener Sabacan officiated. Joanne was laid to rest in the Brookside Cemetery following the service.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Joanne to the Catholic Women’s League of Notre Dame Parish, 904 104 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G2H7.

Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium