Jo-Anna Damm

Jo-Anna Irene Damm
January 13, 1963 – February 14th, 2025

Jo-Anna Irene Damm of Calabogie passed away lovingly surrounded by family at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute on February 14th at the age of 62.

Born in Toronto on Sunday January 13, 1963, Jo-Anna was the treasured eldest child of Julianna Damm (nee Akiwenzie) and Joseph Damm and the beloved sister of Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm and Sam Damm (Sofia). Jo-Anna was a loving mother and will be greatly missed by her children: Pietra Holmes (Mark) and Frederick Holmes (Jessica) and step-daughters Pauline (Troy) Emmerson and Rebecca Holmes. Her grandchildren Alexandra Wells, Myles Wells, and Lovella Holmes will miss their beloved “Gaga.” Auntie Jo will be lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews Samantha Damm, Adam Damm, Damian Damm, Kegedonce Akiwenzie-Damm and Gaadoohn Akiwenzie-Damm, and by many cousins and friends, including Joann Bisson, lifelong friends Frances “Frank” Hillyer Hardig and Randy Robison, and former spouse Peter Holmes. Jo-Anna is survived by her partner Alfred Desjarlais of Alberta. Predeceased by her father Joseph Damm, by grandparents Joseph and Irene (nee Jones) Akiwenzie and Anna “Gaga” Damm, by son David Holmes, by sister Mary Damm, by Aunts Lorene Akiwenzie and Dorothy “Debbie” Jette and Uncle Giles “Jiggs” Keeshig, by her “superstar” cousin Angele Jette, and by other beloved family and friends.

A proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Jo-Anna’s life revolved around music from a young age. She first learned to play guitar at an after-school program at Oriole Park Public School. Throughout her life, Jo-Anna loved to play guitar and sing. She did so in school choirs, the St. Mary’s Folk Choir, for weddings and special events, at local venues, around many campfires and kitchen tables, and, once, at the Owen Sound Showcase at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. As a child and teenager, Jo-Anna was a stellar athlete. She broke city records in Toronto for track and field and enjoyed softball, swimming, cross country and downhill skiing. Jo-Anna was a strong woman with a passion for helping people which resulted in a college degree for Social Work and her career working with vulnerable and at-risk populations. Everyone will have memories of Jo-Anna’s constant smile, infectious and frequent laughter, positive outlook, and genuine happiness for those who shared their goals and good news with her. We will all remember her joy, her kind, caring nature, and her willingness to help others.

Baamaapii gawaabamin minwaa dear one. We will see you in the stars.

We wish to thank the Personal Support Workers from Paramed who helped with Jo-Anna’s daily care, especially Rhonda; her GP Dr. Penny; and the Renfrew Victoria Hospital for their kind, and compassionate care of Jo-Anna over the years. We especially want to thank the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for their knowledge, compassion, patience, and outstanding care of Jo-Anna during her appointments and admissions.

In lieu of flowers, family would welcome donations in Jo-Anna’s name to the Chippewas of Nawash Food Bank, the Maadookii Seniors Centre, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. Jo-Anna’s Celebration of Life followed by interment will be held in the spring. Details will be announced at a later date.

Condolences(8)

Rozella Prin Johnston says
February 21, 2025 at 10:53 pm

Sending deepest sympathy to Joanna’s family. So sorry for your loss.
Andrea Chegahno nee Akiwenzie says
February 22, 2025 at 10:53 am

Loved you then, love you now. Andrea and William Chegahno.
Angela and Andy Elliott says
February 22, 2025 at 4:01 pm

So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all xo
Richard Seguin says
February 25, 2025 at 5:21 pm

Dear Kateri and family
Jo-Anna was a wonderful school mate, I always looked forward to assemblies at St.Marys
so we could hear her sing and play the guitar. Wow that was a while ago.
Condolences to all.
Evelyn Holley says
February 27, 2025 at 11:10 am

Julie,
Sorry to read of Jo-Anna’s passing. My sympathy to you and your family.
Ev Holley
Tibby Johnston says
March 1, 2025 at 2:23 am

Kateri and Family,
Heartfelt condolences, and our kind wishes for shared memories with your family, friends and community,

Tibby Johnston
Terry King says
March 5, 2025 at 12:26 pm

My earliest memories of this beautiful warm lady was her smile and welcoming demeanor. She was such a bright light to many women who had dealings with the crisis shelter in the 1990s. Over the years, we didn’t keep in touch as much but memories of her brings a warmth to my heart and a smile to my lips. Rest easy Joanna
Victoria j Clark says
March 11, 2025 at 10:24 am

Pietra and family. I know this is a little late but I want you all to know, that I am thinking of your family. Loosing a mother is one of the hardest to manage. Remember all the good.