Joan Oleniuk

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Oleniuk of Edmonton, Alberta on July 20, 2024, at the age of 83 years.

Joan is survived by her children Carolynn (Christopher) Shortt, Wendy (Jalal) El-Issa, Joseph Oleniuk Jr. (Chris Nurse), Barbara Oleniuk, Patricia (Lee) Quast; grandchildren Jasmine El-Issa, Zachary and Erika Shortt, Jacob Quast and Lexi Oleniuk; niece Khouloud (Ali) El Haj Obeid; sister-in-law Vera Oleniuk and family. Joan is predeceased by her husband Joseph (Joe) Oleniuk, parents John and Bernice (Bokza) Rozmy, in-laws Peter and Doris (Malysh) Oleniuk, sister Helen her husband Thomas Koep, and brother-in-law Paul Oleniuk.

Joan was an amazingly talented woman. In her youth Joan danced, modeled, painted landscapes, and enjoyed travel. She met her husband when they were children and had a contentious relationship with him as their parents owned competing grocery stores. However, love won out and their youthful pranks made for some good stories. Joan taught International and Chinese Cuisine classes for many years, taking the mystery out of many beloved meals. She also worked at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for much of her life taking several years off to raise her family before returning to work in the early 1980’s to finally retire in 2013. Joan was a natural storyteller, she enjoyed reminiscing about her youth, life events, family, and friends. 

Joan travelled with her family across the United States and Canada several times before taking up summer residence at Beaver Lake in Lac La Biche, Alberta where they spent over 30 fun-filled seasons. Joan spent a wonderful summer with her family in Europe and enjoyed taking cruises with her children and grandchildren which always ended up with a visit to Disneyland. 

Joan was a kind and loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She taught us the importance of hard work, kindness and, allocating time and support to others, while always encouraging us to live our best lives. Joan was selfless, she spent most of her life raising her family and caring for her mother. She volunteered at our schools, was Parent Council President numerous times, as well as Chair of our local community league. Joan loved a pageant and with the help of other community leagues put on elaborate talent shows yearly for all the children in the area. She spend hours helping anyone who needed help perfecting their presentation, along with making numerous costumes. She also hosted many Penny Carnivals in our back yard to raise money for various charities in conjunction with Popcorn Playhouse. She dedicated much of her later years to her husband Joe; you could see their love, friendship, and unspoken bond. Joan delighted in spending time with her family and loved her grandchildren more than anyone ever could.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in Joan’s honour. 

Donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the charity of your choice.