Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London with her loving family by her side on Saturday, January 23, 2021 of London, formerly of Temiscaming, Quebec, at the age of 73. Beloved wife of Frank Sapala for over 51 years. Cherished mother of Tania and Rick MacQueen of Appin, and Krysia and Eric Phillips of Stratford. Proud grandma of Aidan and Mikey, Kyle and Alyssa, James and Mallory, and Nate. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Merlene and Ray St-Onge of North Bay, Dawn and Ray Hammond of Georgetown, Marcelle Eaglesham of Montreal, and Ted and Josie Sapala of London. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Jo will be missed by her extended work family at Sharp Bus Lines; Rob, Jessica and the gang.
Special thank you to Dr. Cathy Faulds and her Palliative Care Team at Parkwood Hospital, where mom received the most compassionate care by any group of people possible. Nurses Linda, Jordana, Sarah, Virgie, Vicki and Amanda.
Keeping with Jo’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when family and friends can gather together to share in love and stories.
Donations to Anova in London, Mission Services of London or the Humane Society London & Middlesex would be appreciated by the family.
Don &Barb Van Larkin says
Tania, Rick and family. Our deepest condolences in the loss of your Mom. Love and prayers
Jean and Ken Walmsley says
Dearest Tania. Sympathy on the loss of your dear Mother, Joanne. She did raise a very lovely daughter….a hard worker and a good sense of humour. And trustworthy. And lots of love for others.. I have read the other notes and now I know why Tania sometimes moves things around in my house, almost always for the better.
Jean and Ken Walmsley
Jean and Ken says
Dearest Tania. Sympathy on the loss of your dear Mother, Joanne. She did raise a very lovely daughter….a hard worker and a good sense of humour. And trustworthy. And lots of love for others.. I have read the other notes and now I know why Tania sometimes moves things around in my house, almost always for the better.
Jean and Ken Walmsley
Nicole Vienneau says
My dear Friend Tania, Krysia and Mr Sapala,
Mrs Sapala was one of the best. I have so many fond memories of her caring for us as young girls, and of us laughing and chit chatting.
She took me in as one of her own, for so many sleep overs and suppers and trips on the ‘No Problem’.
She will always have a spot in my heart.
Patrick and I send our love and gratitude to you for sharing Mrs S’s love with us! ❤️
Nicole and Patrick
Zahra Masoumi says
Dear Tania and family,
We express our deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear mother. A great loss for all. We know you did all you could yet nature has her own ways.
Zahra & Ahmad.
Kirsten Kavanagh says
To Frank &, family, to Merlene, Dawn & Marcelle , please accept our deepest condolences. Joanne was a very dear friend, in fact she was one of my bridesmaids 53 years ago. Have not seen her in a few years, but will never forget her good sense of humor and her great laugh.
Kirsten ( Ki ) & Terry Kavanagh
Katie Smith says
My condolences to Frank and family.
From the moment Jo-anne I met we clicked, some days she was like a sister, other days she was the mom who was there for me when I needed her.
We worked together for 20 years.
We laughed and cried together through the years.
She was devoted to her family and always told me about your lives.
When I lost my son she came to the hospital and held me up.
I will never forget all the fun we had cleaning the office, doing charters together out of town and we would stay up late in the hotel and talk.
My life is so much better because she was in it.
Love you JoJo, till we meet again ❤️😘
Guiti says
Dear Tania and Family,
Masoud and I would like to express our sincere condolences. Losing mother is very hard but we hope you get comfort for being such a caring and good daughter. You were close ti her and did every possible thing you could have done. I pray she rests in peace
Jim and Wendy Wallace & family says
Tania, Rick and family. So sorry for your loss and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Yvette Rheault says
My deepest sympathies to you Frank and the family. I will miss my dear cousin Johanne.
Kurt ellis says
I will miss Joanne as well even though I was always away at home om the Island of Saint Lucia. I was priveleged to know her from Sharp Bus Lines and also had opportunity to Detail their Lincoln Car.
Condolences to Mr. Frank and all the Family.
Kurt Ellis.
Driver: Sharp Bus Lines London.
Jessica Martin says
Dear Sapala family, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Jo was such an amazing lady, she had such a positive attitude and influence on everyone she worked with. We all have so many fond memories of her. She is deeply missed but will live on in our memories. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time ❤
Jessica Martin says
Dear Sapala family, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. JoJo was such an amazing lady, she had such a positive attitude and influence on everyone she worked with. We all have so many fond memories of her. She is deeply missed but will live on in our memories. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Ross and Brenda Marshall says
Our deepest condolences to the family! Jo-Anne you will always be remembered by me with that special smile and your kind heart and love of animals. We certainly shared a special bond not only as a cousin but also as a special childhood friend. You will be missed! Until we meet again rest in peace my dear cousin.
Rob Reeves Sharp Bus Lines says
My sincere condolences to Frank, Tania, Krysia and extended family. It is with incredible sadness to hear of her passing. Joanne was so kind and sweet. The children she transported to school each day loved her. She was always sharing stories about them. The joke around here was you couldn’t leave Jo alone in the office because when you came back all the furniture would be rearranged. I/and all the sharp drivers will miss Joanne and she will be forever in our memories.
Cheryl Koza says
Heart is heavy. She is at peace now and in good company. My sincere condolences.
Cheryl Koza says
My heart is aching. She is at peace now and in good company. Deepest sympathy to my uncle, cousins and extended family.
Crystal Williamson says
Dearest Sapala Family: My deepest sympathies in the loss of a dear lady and co-worker. Joanne was such a wonderful person, full of life. The students she transported loved her and she returned those feelings. It was my pleasure to have Joanne on my driving staff.
I was not available to attend the Christmas greeting so I wanted to reach out, letting you know that she not been forgotten and will always stay in my memories.
Joanne has made Heaven a better place.
Crystal W
Regional Manager – Sharp Bus Lines
Hannah gillis says
Dear Sapala family, my sincere condolences to all of you. Joanne was a beautiful lady at all times. Always smiling and eager for a get together with family and friends. She will truly be missed and the love she had shown and gave willingly will be forever felt.
Susan Kavanagh says
My sincere sympathy to Jo-Anne’s family and friends. I have not seen her for years but have fond memories of our teenage years in Temiscaming.
Susan Horner Kavanagh
Ernie Little St.Marys Ontario says
Jo-Ann : Our Dear Cousin , So Sorry for your Loss Kid ! My Sincere Confidence to Frank , and your extended family at this sad time ! Ernie ( Oldest Cousin ) !
Maureen Pagé Poirier says
So sorry for your loss. My most sincere condolences. Maureen(Jo-Anne’s cousin.