Oostlander, Joanne

JOANNE OOSTLANDER, of Nobleford, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit on Monday, July 8, 2019 at the age of 56 years.

Joanne Oostlander was born on March 26, 1963 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as the third child of Peter and Johanna Oostlander. When she was still a baby her parents emigrated to Canada and began a new life in the Pitt Meadows, BC area. As a girl she loved the various aspects of life on her parent's farm, and enjoying the outdoors became what would be a lifelong passion. In her early twenties the Lord convicted her of her sin and need of reconciliation with Him through faithful gospel preaching, and Jesus became her all-sufficient Savior and Lord.

Eventually she would pursue a post-secondary degree in psychology at Trinity Western University, after which she took up work with the handicapped at Bethesda Christian Association in Abbotsford, BC.

In her thirties God led Joanne to the life of a foster parent and Kayla and Dallas entered her life. In her role as a parent Joanne learned to depend on her faithful Saviour to meet the needs of her growing family. After some time, they moved from BC to Alberta where she settled in Nobleford. Here she initiated and nurtured many friendships in her community, church and work spheres. So many, both old and young, experienced her quiet, patient and practical expressions of love. She was always a favorite of the children in her life, who would compete to get that coveted seat beside Auntie Joanne and her purse full of candies. She poured her life into Kayla and Dallas, patiently encouraging them in their schooling and extracurricular pursuits. In all of the challenges and perplexities of her life, she continued to lean on the faithful promises of God and often spoke of how He was guiding and sustaining her and her foster children.

 As time allowed, Joanne expressed her deep appreciation for God's handiwork in nature and she reveled in the quiet beauties of the coulees and the mountains. Sometimes with friends and sometimes alone, she savored the changes and seasons in the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands.

As her children grew older, Joanne began to sense that the Lord's work for her on earth was drawing to a close. The diagnosis of cancer did not lead her to ask "Why me?" or "Why now?" Instead, she viewed it as the calling of her Lord, and with eager anticipation she looked forward to leaving this world and entering His presence. On July 8 the Lord brought her to Himself, and although we deeply miss her, we are comforted in knowing that her hope has been turned into reality.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH - located on Hwy 25 at Diamond City on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Ryan Case officiating. A Graveside Service will follow at the Fort Macleod Union Cemetery.