Mrs. Joan Kathleen Kulmala (Howe), age 72, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, on April 28th, 2017 with her loving husband by her side.
Joan was born in Kenora, Ontario but moved to Thunder Bay as a baby. She grew up in Current River and attended Lakeview high school. Originally trained as a nurse, after working in healthcare for over 15 years, she refocused her efforts and enthusiasm and on her own business. She was an entrepreneur with a flair for fashion, public speaking, and business communications. Joan was actively involved in her community having held positions with various groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Catholic Women’s League. She received many awards for her business and volunteer efforts. She is certainly known for her fashion shows and her scarf-tying clinics that she offered at seniors homes. She enjoyed camping in her motorhome, traveling to see her children, and playing cards with her friends.
Joan is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 49 years, Rocci, her sons and their family, Rory and Peggy, and daughters Megan and Madeline, from Victoria, BC; Steven and Daneen and their children, Cassandra, Carson, Spencer, Madison, Shayla, and great grandkids Zaria and Adrian, from Rapid City, SD; and her mother-in-law Eileen Fogolin; extended family Nick and Eileen Knought, Marriane Grant, their families; and many other family members; and of course her constant companion, Sadie-bell, her Jack Russell terrier.
Her best friends Jennifer, Sheila, Marie, Sharon, Carol, Betty, Lucy, Barbara, Lynn, Loraine and Viera were a constant source of happiness for her.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, Violet and Ellis Howe, her brother Thomas, and her step-father Claude Ronald.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in Our Lady of Loretto Church, 290 Grenville Avenue, with Mass to be celebrated by Rev. Francis Pudicherry. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the charity of your choice.
