Joanna was born in Ottawa, Ontario, to Ronald and Beatrice Ginsberg on November 22, 1958. She grew up in the Nepean neighbourhood of Ottawa, enjoying a childhood filled with friendships, sleepovers, backyard skating, and annual cottage trips with the Robb family. A few years after Joanna was born, her parents welcomed a son, Brent, whom Joanna adored. The family practiced the Jewish faith, which remained an important part of her upbringing. As a teen, she was up for anything—from whitewater rafting with her friend Janet’s boyfriend (now husband), Chris, when Janet felt too nervous, to keeping her promise to visit Disney World together after high school.

Joanna graduated Grade 12 in 1976 and returned to complete her Grade 13 Honours Diploma in 1977 at Merivale High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University, followed by a Bachelor of Education degree from Queen’s University in Kingston in 1981.

After becoming a teacher, Joanna moved to Fort McMurray to begin her career. In 1986, she met her future husband, Ron, and they married in 1989. Ron often joked that he was Joanna’s “38-year-long improvement project.” After starting life together, they moved to their forever home in Cranbrook, BC. Joanna taught in School District 5, with many years devoted to kindergarten and grade 1 at Gordon Terrace Elementary School. Even after retirement, she continued substitute teaching and, altogether, taught for 44 years. Through her teaching career, she found many of her closest friends—people who became like family to her. Together, they shared laughter, inside jokes, and silly skits, and remained one another’s support system even as many of them retired.

Joanna was the kind of mother and grandmother who would be there at the drop of a hat—to help, to serve, and to show up for her family in whatever way was needed. This loving generosity defined her as a person. She created countless treasured family memories through visits with extended family in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver. During the years when her father (lovingly known as “Zaida”) was alive, she especially cherished the summers when he came to Cranbrook to spend time with Laura and David. Joanna had a rare gift for making every person in the family feel seen and special; Ron shared that even his own sister Carol was more like “Joanna’s sister.”

Joanna loved hosting family dinners and gatherings, travelling with her husband Ron and family, tending to her flower garden, camping, spending time with friends and colleagues, and was fiercely proud of her career as a dedicated teacher. Above all else, she cherished every moment she had with her precious grandchildren.

Joanna is survived by her husband, Ron Popoff; daughter Laura Spracklin (Dennis); son David Popoff (Emily); brother Brent Ginsberg; and four grandchildren, Henry, Elijah, Dorothy, and Oliver. She was predeceased by her parents, Ronald and Beatrice Ginsberg.

A funeral service for Joanna will be held at the Colombo Lodge in Cranbrook on February 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Rabbi Mark Glickman officiating. ( Link to live stream of Funeral Service https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/funeral-service-for-joanna-popoff ) Burial will follow at the Westlawn Cemetery in Cranbrook for family and those invited. A Celebration of Life with light refreshments and food will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Colombo Lodge. McPherson’s Funeral Services will be overseeing the funeral arrangements.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the support of the community during this difficult time, including friends, colleagues, and all those who knew and loved Joanna.

mcphersonfh.com