Joanne Alice Borrows (Marcy)
November 21, 1931 - October 4, 2017
In celebration of a long life, well-lived, we announce the passing of Joanne, our very loved mom, grandma, great-grandma, special auntie, and friend to many.
A Sumas Prairie pioneer, mom was the last of eleven children born to Beula Jane Beebe and Elmer Rufus Marcy at the farmhouse on Vye Road. Mom attended Upper Sumas Elementary and Philip Sheffield schools in Abbotsford before she went to work for BC Tel as a switchboard operator at the age of 15. Committed to her community and to documenting the past, mom was especially proud of the work she did with the Sumas Prairie and Area Historical Society on the book One Foot on the Border (1999).
Mom is predeceased by her parents, Beula and Elmer Marcy; her brothers and sisters David Marcy, Ella Porteous, Hazel Marcy, Eva Young, Billie Herperger, Steve Marcy, Elma Winstone, Don Marcy, Altha Minty, and Guy Marcy; by her first husband Joe Lynch, and second husband Hank Borrows.
Mom's children survive her and will be forever grateful for their time with her: Tim Lynch and wife Suzanne, Martin Borrows, Gloria Borrows and partner Mark Erina, Mitchell Borrows and wife Bonnie, Scott Borrows and wife Tonja. Mom's grandchildren - Alex Fung (Rocky Clarke), Sarah Mejia (Jaime), Amy Raymond (Josh), Jordan Borrows, Hayley Borrows, Megan Borrows - and her greatgrandchildren - Kane and Vance Clarke, and Sienna, India, Ivy, and one-on-the-way Raymond - will miss her love and bottomless cookie jar.
Joanne was a passionate and talented photographer, community historian, gardener, cook, reader, and writer. Mom was an exceptional listener and accepted everyone, even if she didn't agree with what they had to say. She saw the value in every person and believed that everyone deserved a chance or three.
She loved to dance and laugh and was happiest with her family around her. Joanne was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by many.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stephen Hughes, who listened with kindness and good humour to mom's concerns, and to the remarkable nursing staff at Mission Memorial Hospital, who helped mom always, and especially at the last.
A family gathering to celebrate mom's life is planned for a later date.