Joan Marlene (Tronnes) McDonnell

 Joan Marlene McDonnell nee Tronnes

August 2, 1938 ~  September 24, 2024
   

With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Joan (Tronnes) McDonnell on September
24, 2024, at the age of 86.

    Joan is lovingly remembered by her three girls, Cathy (Bill), Carol (Doug), and Karen (Fred); her
three grandchildren, David, Cheryl, and Jenny; and her great-grandchildren, Parker, Devyn, and
Isabelle. She is also survived by her brother Jim (Carol), sister-in-law Gerry, and an abundance
of wonderful friends. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Bill.

Born in Edberg, Alberta, Joan grew up on the family farm in Dorenlee with her parents, Alvin and Dorothy Tronnes, brothers Duane and Jim, and sister Dianne. She moved to Lacombe in 1953 and remaining to build a beautiful life for the next 71 years.  Joan married Bill in 1958, and together they raised three wonderful daughters and spoiled their grandchildren.

   Joan’s most important roles in life were Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend.
She was known as Joanie Mac and Grandma Joan to many.
 

  Joan worked several different jobs which included Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.
She took great pride in her work at AFSC, and though she wished to work longer, she retired in
2000, to make way for the next generation.

   Joan loved her sports and was a fierce competitor. Mom said many times her sports were like
another job. She was an avid curler and played in many bonspiels across Central Alberta. Joan
pitched for the Lacombe Comets softball team and transitioned to first base where she always
said “being a left hander with a long reach was sure handy”. When Joan got “too old” to play
ball anymore she took up golf – which quickly became her new passion. She became a member
of the Lacombe Golf and Country Club playing with many of the gals she played ball and curled
with, “the knothole gang” and many new friends, until her passing.

   Joan loved her community. She dedicated her time as a volunteer and board member for various
organizations, including the Lacombe Golf Club, Curling Club, Hospital Auxiliary and Eastern
Star. She was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed and struck fear into the
wallets of players at the Farmers Bonspiel and Men’s Open when she was selling 50/50 tickets.
Since Joan’s passing, her family has been flooded with condolences from friends who remember
her with kindness, friendship, laughter, and a commitment to making her community a better
place. Her love for life, her family and community will be dearly missed but forever
remembered.

  We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Joan’s Life at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club
October 1, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Come and gather with the family for a casual afternoon, enjoy a cup of coffee, share a story, and
remember the wonderful life of Joan McDonnell.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lacombe Health Trust’s website (www.lacombehealthtrust.com) or by mail (PO Box 5663, Lacombe AB, T4L 1X3).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Marlene (Tronnes) McDonnell, please visit our floral store.