With hearts both heavy and grateful, we announce the passing of Joanne Evelyn Hackett, born November 22, 1942, in Vancouver, British Columbia, to Frank and Marion Vanlerberg. Joanne was a cherished sister to Donna-Lou, Martin, Rocky, and Mary-Anne. “Punky” grew up in Cranbrook on what she dubbed, “the homestead on Innes Ave” and found joy in performing in the local bugle band.

Joanne dedicated over 30 years of her life to nursing, serving as a registered nurse and took pride in being one of the youngest head nurses at Vancouver General Hospital before moving back to Cranbrook with Wally to raise their young family. She loved nursing at Cranbrook Regional and in turn was loved by her patients and colleagues.

She married the love of her life, Wallace Kennedy Hackett, her ‘one true love,’ and together they raised a family that she adored. She was a devoted mother to her children: Frank (Jody), Colleen Morrison (Tyler), Lynda Miller (Frankie), and Joanne Reen Timmermans (Tim). She adored her sons and daughter-in-law just like her own children. Joanne was also a beloved grandmother to seven grandchildren: Alaina, Michael (Sadie), Alexander, Isaac, Eve Lynn, Nathaniel, and Annie-Lou. She delighted in each of them and loved spending time playing card games, watching their special events, and receiving lots of hugs and kisses…. especially on the mouth… and wet.

Joanne was well known for her love of baking and cooking for friends and family; a get together at the Hacketts meant you never left hungry.

Even in the last 15 years of her life, after an injury required her to use a motorized wheelchair, she never let that slow her down. You could often see her ripping around Cranbrook with a pinwheel and yellow flowers on her wheelchair, brightening everyone’s day. Thank you to the numerous unnamed recusers for the many times she found herself stuck.

She was known for how much she adored her family, her love of bright clothing and hats, and her faith in Jesus, which became important to her in her later years. Joanne will be remembered most for a life filled with love and a signature laugh that preceded her presence often before entering the block.

Mom loved to do things her only way, and as per her wishes, rather than having a funeral after her death, wanted to be at her own celebration of life, (while she was still around to be the life of the party…pun intended). We celebrated her life on her 80th with many speeches and revelry. She will be missed, but her spirited legacy will live on in generations to come.