Obituary
Joanne Perlich, of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Tony Perlich, passed away on December 14, 2020 after a lengthy illness at the age of 81 years.
Joanne was born in Claresholm and grew up on Sharples Ranch with her parents Henry and Marjorie and her three sisters. She loved reminiscing about the fun they had in the creek, on their ponies, musical and dance performances, and so much more. She developed a deep love for animals, especially horses, that would permeate her life.
Shortly after high school Joanne was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada which earned her several trips, one being to the Miss Canada Pageant. Her kind, outgoing and inclusive nature made her a shoe-in for the Miss Congeniality title.
Joanne attended University of Alberta and became a teacher. She taught for several years and Grade 2 was always her favorite. In 1962, Joanne married Tony Perlich, which would be the beginning of a big, busy, fun and rewarding 40 years together. Together they would build a business, a family, a home, serve their communities in many ways, and live in a circle larger than most. Joanne gave tirelessly of herself to many people and organizations, most notably the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, Coaldale 4-H Equestrian Club, and the Alberta, Canadian and American Quarter Horse Associations.
Her devotion to her faith, family and friends came first and horses were a close second. Joanne wore many, many hats. She was a talented artist and seamstress, a good cook, a masterful gardener, and enjoyed playing piano, singing and dancing. She loved her Australian Shepherds and Corgis and always had fun teaching them tricks. Joanne was often the ‘life of the party’ and had a magnetic personality. She loved horse shows, as a competitor in her younger years, and of course as a ‘horse show mom’ to not only her own kids, but to many.
Joanne is survived by her children David Perlich (Adrian Organowski), Jeanne White (Brett), Nancy Perlich (Piet Van Diemen), five grandchildren Carmen, Charles and Lauren White and Weston and Harris Kenway. Joanne is also survived by her three sisters, Carol Henker, Kathy Tratch (Ken) and Judy Meckelborg, sister-in-law Rose Niedermier, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Besides her loving husband, she was predeceased by her parents and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
A private Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday, December 18, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL – 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrant.
The family invites you to watch the service via livestream at www.mbfunerals.com/ and then scrolling to the bottom of Joanne’s obituary. A link to watch will be available 15 minutes prior.
The family respectfully declines any flowers at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, 24 205015 Hwy 512, Lethbridge County, Alberta, T1J 5N8 or their website at ltra.ca or the Alzheimer’s Society, #40, 1202 – 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3.
The family would like to thank the staff of Coaldale Health Centre for the care and compassion throughout the years.
To send flowers to Joanne’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joanne Perlich June 8 1939 December 14 2020 (age 81)..
Death notice for the town of: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta