Joanna Barbara Hemsley (“Mum”)

Obituary

Passed on

❤️In Loving Memory of Joanna Barbara Hemsley (“Mum”) April 12, 1964 – October 27, 2026 Some people come into this world with a special kind of light. They have a way of making others feel loved, bringing comfort when it is needed most, and leaving a little piece of themselves in every heart they touch. Joanna Barbara Hemsley was one of those rare and beautiful souls. To those fortunate enough to know her, she was truly an angel on earth.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joanna Barbara Hemsley (née Starczewska) on October 27, 2026, at Women’s Hospital, HSC, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Throughout her journey, Joanna demonstrated remarkable strength, courage and grace. Even through the most difficult days, she remained the warm, kind and loving person everyone knew and cherished. Her strength was not simply in how bravely she faced her illness, but in the way she continued to think of others, share her warmth and carry that beautiful spirit that was so uniquely hers.

Her Early Years – A Heart for Caring and a Spirit for Adventure.

Joanna was the middle child of Wenek and Hania Starczewski. From an early age, she was known for her easygoing nature and the smile that seemed to come so naturally. That smile, along with her gentle and nurturing personality, would become one of the things people remembered most about her throughout her life.

Growing up, Joanna embraced her Polish heritage and was actively involved in her community. Like many of her Polish peers, she was a member of the Polish Saturday School Folk Dance Troupe, even travelling to France to perform.

Her summers were filled with adventure and friendship at the Polish scouting holiday camps, known as kolonia, at Penrhos in North Wales. For three weeks each summer, she joined the Zuchy (Polish Brownies and Cubs), experiences that clearly left a lasting impression. In later years, she returned not as a camper but as a leader, devoting her time to nurturing and guiding the youngest members.

Her involvement in Polish scouting continued as a Harcerka (Girl Guide), progressing to Wędrowniczka (Ranger). She attended an international jamboree in Italy, where she had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Pope. During her teenage years, she was also involved with KSMP, a Polish Catholic Youth Organisation. While attending a retreat in Italy, dressed in traditional Polish costume, she met Pope John Paul II.

These experiences reflected the many things that would remain important throughout Joanna’s life: her Polish roots, her sense of community, her willingness to help others, and her love of new experiences.

After completing her education at Cardinal Vaughan High School, Joanna received a particularly rare recognition: an award for not having missed a single day of school throughout all five years. It was a small but telling reflection of her dedication and commitment.

Her natural love of children led her to pursue an NNEB qualification in nannying and childcare. Following college, she worked briefly in a nursery and kindergarten before establishing herself as a private nanny for a group of three families. Around the same time, she also volunteered to take over the running of the nursery class at the Polish Saturday School.

Caring for children was never simply a job for Joanna. It was something that came from within. She had a natural ability to make children feel safe, cared for and loved, and this nurturing quality would remain a defining part of who she was.

A Journey Across the Ocean – Finding Home and Love An invitation to a childhood friend’s wedding brought Joanna to Canada for the first time. During that visit, out of simple curiosity, she stopped at an agency to enquire about opportunities working as a nanny.

What began as a curious visit soon became the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

After returning home to England, several persistent phone calls eventually convinced Joanna to accept a position as a private nanny with a professional family in Canada for one year. This was followed by another year working with a second family.

And somewhere along the way, she met Ed.

What began as a new adventure blossomed into a love that would become the foundation of her life. Just as Joanna was beginning to think she was ready to return home to England, Ed asked her to marry him.

They celebrated a civil ceremony in the autumn of 1992, allowing Joanna to remain in Canada until her family could travel over the following summer for their official wedding celebration in Carstairs, Alberta, in 1993.

And so, what began as a visit across the ocean became a forever home.

Soon after, their beloved Rudi arrived, making their family complete, and bringing Joanna one of the greatest joys of her life: motherhood.

In the spring of 1998, Joanna, Ed and Rudi moved from Carstairs, Alberta to Balmoral, Manitoba, where Ed began a new position and the family could be closer to loved ones. It was here that they put down roots, built a life and formed many new friendships. Some of those friendships grew so deep that the people who entered their lives became indistinguishable from family.

A Life Built Around Family, Nature and Adventure Above all else, Joanna was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mum, a cherished daughter, a loving sister and a treasured friend. Her family was her world, and the love she gave them was unconditional.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 34 years, Edward, and her adored son, Rudolf, along with her much-loved doggies, Shelby and Junior. She will also be deeply missed by her parents, Wenek and Hania; her sister, Krysia (Janek); her brother, Zbysio; and her beloved nieces, nephews and great-nephew.

Joanna’s happiest moments were often found in the simple pleasures of life. Country living suited her perfectly. She loved her garden, her plants, the outdoors and the freedom of being surrounded by nature. Gardening was one of her many passions, and she took great pleasure in watching things grow and flourish.

She loved camping, exploring the trails behind the house with Shelby and Junior, and embracing everything that country life had to offer. Her love for their cabin was particularly special. It was a place of hard work, wonderful memories and countless hours spent together creating something they could all enjoy.

And then there was Joanna in the lake. Never one to be content simply paddling near the shore, she would swim far out into the water until all that could be seen of her was her little pink hat, a tiny speck in the distance. It was such a wonderfully Joanna thing to do: independent, adventurous and completely at home in her surroundings.

She also loved being part of whatever her two guys were doing in the shop. Whether lending a hand, watching a project take shape or simply being part of the action, she was always happy to join in. And clap loudly when said projects were completed. She was never afraid to try something new and was often willing to jump aboard a snowmobile or one of the home-built vehicles for a thrilling ride. Always with a huge cheeky smile and laugh. She embraced life with curiosity and a sense of fun, never wanting to miss out on an adventure.

Her Polish heritage remained close to her heart, especially the traditions surrounding Christmas. Joanna took great pride in keeping those family traditions alive, and her famous crave-worthy pickles became a part of what made those celebrations so special. These traditions will continue, lovingly carried forward by her family, keeping a little piece of Joanna present at every Christmas gathering.

These seemingly small things were, in fact, the big things. They were the moments that made a house a home, a family a family, and a life so wonderfully lived.

A Heart That Made a Difference

Joanna possessed a beautiful gift: she made people feel welcome, valued and loved. Her radiant smile could brighten the darkest of days, her wonderful personality brought joy wherever she went, and her zest for life was infectious.

She had a heart that seemed to have endless room for others, always willing to offer kindness, compassion, encouragement or a helping hand. She never needed grand gestures to make a difference. Often, it was simply the way she listened, the way she cared, or the way she made someone feel that meant the most.

She was one of those people whose presence made life a little brighter. Her kindness was genuine, her generosity came naturally, and the love she shared was never limited to those closest to her.

Joanna especially treasured her work with seniors through the Stonewall Handivan Service and Rosewood Lodge. Caring for others was simply part of who she was. The compassion, patience and genuine kindness she brought to her work created many meaningful relationships and lasting connections. She touched lives in ways she may never have fully realized, and the people she cared for will remember the special person behind that caring smile.

From her early days volunteering with children in the Polish community to her years caring for families and seniors, Joanna’s life followed a beautiful and consistent thread: she was always looking after someone, making someone feel included, or finding a way to bring happiness to another person’s day.

It was simply who she was.

A Beautiful Soul, Forever in Our Hearts

It is often said that angels walk among us, and perhaps that is the best way to describe Joanna. She had a beautiful soul, a generous heart and a way of making the world around her better simply by being in it.

Although her time with us feels far too short, the love she gave and the goodness she brought into this world will continue through everyone whose life she touched.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Selkirk Hospital Emergency Department, CancerCare Manitoba and Women’s Hospital, HSC, for their dedication, compassion and care throughout Joanna’s journey. We are also deeply grateful for the tremendous love, kindness and support shown by our community during this difficult time.

A very special thank you to Joanna’s best friend, Marlene Jakabek, who stood faithfully by her side throughout her journey. Your friendship, devotion, love and unwavering support meant more than words could ever express. The comfort you brought Joanna and our family will never be forgotten. We will be forever grateful.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Loehmer for his kindness, guidance and support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date, offering family and friends an opportunity to come together, share memories and celebrate the beautiful life of a woman who meant so much.

Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we are forever grateful for the privilege of having had Joanna in our lives. We miss her smile, her laughter, her warmth, her loving heart and all the little things that made her who she was.

We will also miss the comfort of her presence, the sound of her laughter, her adventurous spirit, her love of family, her beautiful traditions and the countless ways she made life more wonderful.

But love like Joanna’s does not disappear. It lives on in the memories we hold close, in the traditions we continue, like family recipes, and photographs. In the things she’s taught us, in the kindness we pass along, and in the lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.

Perhaps angels are not always meant to stay forever. Perhaps some are simply sent to walk beside us, teach us how to love more deeply, show us the beauty in kindness, and leave this world a little brighter than they found it.

Joanna did all of that and so much more.

And perhaps, when we look up into the night sky and see a shooting star streak across the darkness, we will think of Joanna. A beautiful, brilliant light that appeared in our lives, filled them with warmth and wonder, and left us wishing it could have stayed just a little longer. Though its journey may seem fleeting, its beauty is never forgotten. And so it will be with Joanna. Her light will continue to shine in our hearts, guiding us through the years, reminding us of the love she gave, the laughter she shared and the beautiful memories she left behind.

Whenever a shooting star crosses the sky, we will make a wish, perhaps for just one more moment, one more hug, one more smile. And in that moment, we will feel a little closer to her.

Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

We welcome any stories or photos of Joanna you’d like to share.

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