Jo-Ann Marie Bourdages Coghlan
The most amazing wife and mother became an angel on February 25th, 2017. She watches over her devoted husband of 32 years, Gerry Coghlan, and adoring children Erin (Mahdi) and Sam (Brooke), as well as her precious and faithful companion, Maggie. She leaves to mourn her father, Paul Bourdages, her brothers Rolly, Mike (Pam), Norm (Debbie), sisters Diane, Linda, Ginette (Lee), Denise (Pickles), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her mother Therese and brother Jean-Guy. She will be sadly missed and never forgotten by all the Coghlan family. Jo-Ann’s indomitable spirit and lust for life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was an entrepreneur, coach, volunteer, and community advocate. She played a leading role in lobbying the Mission school board for funds to bring the French Programme Cadre to the Mission school district. Following which, successively led in the establishment of Mission's first Francophone elementary school, Ecole des Deux Rives. Jo-Ann contributed her time and talents to many important non-profit organizations in the community; namely Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer and Heart & Stroke, with roles ranging from fundraising coordinator to Board of Director Treasurer. She battled the debilitating symptoms of MS for 27 years but never let the disease dominate her strong mind and will to survive. Sincere thanks are extended to all Jo-Ann’s many caregivers who lovingly supported her over The years. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 4th, 2017, 2:30 p.m. at Fraser River Funeral Home, 2061 Riverside Road, Abbotsford. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in memory of Jo-Ann to the MS Society of Canada, Fraser Valley chapter.