It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, great aunt, partner and friend, Jo-Anne Robinson.

Jo-Anne, known to all as “JAR” died peacefully at Surrey Memorial Hospital after a year-long courageous battle with cancer.   Jo-Anne is survived by her loving sister, Patricia St Laurent and her brother-in-law David St Laurent; her nephew, Michael St Laurent (Janessa); and niece Joanna St Laurent (Jake); and her grandniece Nora and grandnephew Harvey.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Zonda Nellis; and niece, Alexandra Robinson (Maddy) and grandnieces Maya and Veda.  She is predeceased by her parents, John Lewis Robinson and Mary Josephine Robinson (nee Rowan); her long-time partner of 40 years, Sue Bailey; and her brother David Robinson.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1949, Jo-Anne spent her childhood in the Point Grey area and attended Jericho Hill School for the Deaf.  Jo-Anne went on to obtain her Bachelor's degree from Gallaudet University in 1972. In the following year, she received her Teaching Certificate from the University of British Columbia and, in 1976, a Master's degree from McDaniel College. 

Jo-Anne’s teaching career spanned over 45 years and two provinces. The first 35 years were at the Alberta School for the Deaf in Edmonton, and after retiring in 2005, she moved back to her beloved British Columbia in 2008 to be closer to family and friends and went on to teach in BC for another 10 years.  Teaching was her passion in life. 

Aside from her professional accomplishments as a teacher for the deaf, Jo-Anne was an active swimmer as a young woman.  At the 1965 10th International Games of the Deaf in Washington, D.C., now known as the Deaflympics, she won four gold medals, setting a Deaf world record in each.  Jo-Anne won two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal at the 11th International Games of the Deaf in Yugoslavia in 1969. She was recognized for this accomplishment by the Mayor and the City of Vancouver, as well as the Federation of Silent Sports of Canada, now known as Deaf Canadian Sports Association.  

Jo-Anne had been a sports organizer, administrator, and Deaf Community sports player.  Her enthusiasm for deaf sports did not cease with her retirement from active swimming. Her famous quote is “the only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose”.  Jo-Anne received numerous awards of recognition for her work in the Community and in Sports.  She was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf, the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, British Columbia Deaf Sports Federation (twice), and Gallaudet University Hall of Fame. 

Jo-Anne’s other accomplishments included publishing three books: Deaf Women in Canada: A Proud History and Exciting Future in 2002, The History of Deaf Sports in Alberta in 2008 and The History of the British Columbia School for the Deaf in 2021. JAR’s hobbies and interests included researching her family tree, gourmet cooking, and travelling.

Jo-Anne leaves an extraordinary legacy through her work and in her community. She will be remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers and led the way in every aspect of her life.  She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends.   

Family and friends will be notified about her celebration of life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations In Memory of Jo-Anne Robinson can be made to the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf.  Please click HERE