Joan Louise Rozylo

We, the family of Joan Louise Rozylo, are saddened to announce her passing on Monday, July15th, 2024 at the Louise Jensen Care Centre in Camrose, Alberta. Joan was 78 years of age and was born on April 6, 1946 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

She was the beloved and only child of Marjorie and Alfred Fontaine. Being raised on the farm by her mom and dad, she learned a strong work ethic and a love for learning, as there was always something to learn and do: planting, tending and harvesting a vegetable garden, picking berries and canning fruit, sewing, crocheting, flower gardening and caring for animals, especially her pet cats. Life was busy!

As well, amidst all the work to be done, Joan developed a love for reading. Education was important and Joan was a quick learner. Joan attended grades one through six at the New Norway School. When she started school, she would go up the river hill and catch  the bus with Loreen George, a close neighbor and friend. Grades seven to twelve were taken in Wetaskiwin. Upon graduation from Wetaskiwin Composite High School, she enrolled in the Faculty of Education at Camrose Lutheran College. There she stayed in dorm and was roommates with another neighborhood friend, Anna Fleck. From C.L.C., Joan transferred to the University of Alberta and completed her Degree in Education.

It was during her university years that she met Russ Rozylo, a fellow university student. They got married in 1967. On February 2,1968, Joan and Russ welcomed a beautiful daughter into their
lives with the birth of Wendy Charmaine, their only child. Joan moved to a lovely acreage outside of Sherwood Park to raise Wendy, truly the light of her life. Juggling life as a working mom, Joan was thankful to have a close neighbor who babysat Wendy when she resumed teaching.

Joan taught mainly Science, her major, but she also taught many other subjects, as needed by the school. She made the decision early in her career to go into administration, so juggled teaching and working on her master’s degree. No small feat! Joan had a brilliant mind and loved the challenge of academia. Upon completion of her Master of Education, she became the principal Sherwood Heights Junior High School where she worked for many years. Seeking a change of pace, Joan spent one year working on curriculum for the County of Strathcona before
heading to Salisbury Composite High School as the vice principal.

In September of 1991, Joan’s life was forever changed with the devastating news of the passing of her daughter Wendy. She took a leave from her job and eventually made the decision to retire. Joan looked to her family and friends for support and was most fortunate to have met Marion Langford, a colleague at Salisbury Composite, whom she developed a quick and lifelong friendship with. Joan spoke fondly of their strong bond and wonderful visits together that spanned the years. As well, partner John Zenko and the Zenko family, became a steadfast supportive family to Joan. Together, Joan and John shared many wonderful years together at Elk Point, enjoying life on the farm, visits with John’s family and traveling. Not only did they travel locally, they visited Hawaii and Quartzite, Arizona, to enjoy the winter and escape the cold of the North. With John’s unexpected passing, Joan decided to move back to Camrose to be closer to her Fontaine and Mowat families, as well as friends. She enjoyed family gatherings and attending family reunions.

An avid traveler, Joan continued to travel to Quartzsite and formed a bond with Cal Ward. She and Cal spent winters in Quartzsite and summers back in Camrose. Joan visited Cal’s family in Alaska and they, in turn, enjoyed their visits to Cal and Joan in Quartzite. Unfortunately, Cal passed away suddenly last summer, he was planning to come to be with Joan.

With a terminal diagnosis, Joan was resolute to remain living independently and take treatment to extend her time. She fought bravely and never complained. Joan was appreciative of the cards, flowers, telephone chats and visits from family and friends. May her resilience in life be a testimony to us all.

May you now rest gently and peacefully, Joan.

At the request of Joan there will be no service.

Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to Alberta Cancer Foundation.