With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Joanne Vitzthum in Ottawa on April 19, surrounded by friends and family.
Known as “JoBell” to her many friends, Joanne was always thinking of others: She was an inspirational teacher, a devoted mother to Beatrice and Genevieve, and a loving wife to Gian. Outgoing by nature, Joanne always lived her life to the fullest—she loved to laugh and her joyful personality filled a room.
Born to Ronald Bell and Jane Shea, Joanne grew up in Nova Scotia alongside her siblings David and Krista; they all moved to Ajax, Ontario when Joanne was a teenager. Graduating from Trent University, her life path was clear: helping those in need. Having learned American Sign Language, Joanne advocated for the deaf community in Peterborough and, after coming to Ottawa, began working at Ottawa Valley Autistic Homes serving clients with high needs in a group home setting. There she made many friends and life-lasting bonds.
Joanne turned this passion for serving others to an educational setting working first as an Educational Assistant and then returning as a certified teacher to the Autism Program of Featherston Drive Public School. She worked mainly in the kindergarten class, instrumental in helping those that did not have a voice learn to communicate. She changed the lives of her many pupils and their families not only through her kindness and compassion, but also through her professionalism. Joanne treated every single person she encountered in her life with dignity and respect, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion. She leaves a remarkable legacy in the autism community.
Having spent a career advocating on behalf of others, Joanne finally had to fight for herself: Refusing to let her spirit be diminished by an incurable cancer diagnosis in 2012, Joanne seemed to bend time through a sheer force of will. She demonstrated an indefatigable positivity as she railed against her disease and its ongoing treatments for nearly a decade, amazing everyone; she was extraordinary for her resilience. Her family and large network of friends were a constant source of strength and happiness for her—especially her two young daughters, whom she cherished. Joanne and her family would like to particularly thank Drs. Fitzgibbon and Goel at the Ottawa Hospital, and Heather Booth, from Bayshore, for their years of tireless support.
A small private family ceremony will be held at Beechwood Cemetery on April 28th. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to Autism Ontario or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Joanne’s most profound wish was that people celebrate her life joyfully, not mourn her passing, and she always loved a good party. Please join us Thursday May 19th for a drop-in event between 4-10pm at the One Up Cocktail Pub (above the Royal Oak on Beechwood Ave) where light refreshments will be served or food can be ordered from a menu. Attendees are asked to wear masks, party hats, and dancing shoes!
Digital Guestbook
Kacey
Zoran J
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May she rest in peace.
Sarah Mullins
I am deeply saddened by the news of JoBell's passing. JoBell had a zest for life that could not be matched. She was always there in times of need and brought such joy wherever she went. Gian and the girls, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I was able to convey my sympathies better. Rest in peace JoBell. ?
Darlene K
Sleep well cousin. Thoughts and prayers to Gian, Bea and Jenna, Aunt Jane, David and Krista.
Duncan
I have such fond memories from when we were all kids. I had a few amazing visit when I live in Ottawa. Joanne rest in peace may the angels carpet the path in front in front of you. for those left behind you will be dearly missed. Relief can only be sot from the amazing memories you have left behind with all the amazing people you knew. Hugs to all of you.
Vicki
Dear Gian, Genna and Bea.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am about Jobell. I have so many amazing memories of her over the past 27 years! I will always treasure them. She was so smart, funny, and generous. An incredible teacher, and an even better friend. I will miss her always.
xox
Vicki
Suzanne Girard France
Joanne and I lived in the same house together in Peterborough. We were both history majors so we shared a lot of classes. She taught this wallflower to loosen up and have some fun. She took me to my first bar at the ripe old age of 21!
She was the life of the party but she taught me one of the most valuable lessons you can learn in life. She taught me that everyone had value. That you can't judge a person by their appearance. She made friends wherever she went. I remember thinking that I wouldn't want to talk to some of the people she befriended in Peterborough. I was the one in the wrong, she had such a loving open heart that she saw beyond appearances and really got to know people. I've been striving to reach that openness ever since.
Rest in peace Joanne. Thank you for being my friend.
Khalida Badran
Gian, Bea, Genna and Family. May God give you courage and comfort at this very painful time. Joanne was always so wonderful to be around - so loving , caring, fun and positive. It was impossible not to feel good in her presence. She was loved and respected by all that knew her. Every time I water my African Violets I think of her. She is the one who taught me to water them from beneath. She has helped me through hard times and made me laugh more times than I can count. JoBell was truly a one-of-a kind special person whom words cannot describe. I am happy to have had the privilege of being in her life. Love and blessings to you.
Lyle & Karen Shulist
Our Sincere Condolences! Jo will always hold a special place in our hearts. Jo helped bring my wife and I together when we first met in Peterborough many years ago. We will never forget her smile and contagious laugh. RIP JoBell
Binny Chee
Joanne was so many things to me. Friend, roommate, sister, and in many ways a mentor and mother-figure. I’ll never forget her sense of humour and her joy that always bubbled over. She was bigger than life. I’m so sorry for your loss Gianni, Genna and Bea.
Dear, Gian, Bea and Jenna,
My sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Jo Bell was a true warrior and alway the life of the party. She will be truly missed.
Xo Kacey