OLESKY, Joan

Joan Louise Olesky (nee Vaselenak) April 24, 1940 – July 21, 2025 We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Joan Olesky. Born and raised in Lethbridge, Joan was the youngest of Emil and Emily Vaselenak’s three children. She was pre-deceased by her parents, sister Dianne, brother Delbert, and other relatives in the Lethbridge area.
Raised in the tricky situation of being the principal’s daughter, Joan learned early on how to connect with people. Genuinely curious about people and what made them tick, she formed instant connections and relished sharing stories about those she met. She will be most remembered for her playful way, how she treated everyone as an equal, and her open-minded attitude. Joan made friends everywhere she went and nurtured deep and long-lasting relationships.
Joan was sharp as a tack and spirited to her core. In her early years, she excelled as an elementary school teacher. After she married, Joan created a vibrant and happy home in Edmonton and Sherwood Park where she dedicated herself to being the world’s best mom to her four children – especially Dean and Grant who attended Robin Hood Association (RHA). With such a busy life, it’s a miracle that Joan found time for children Brian and Lynn, but she made sure to dote on them too. Both have such special memories of time spent with mom and feel deeply connected to her.
Fun followed Joan. Her home was a social hub in every neighbourhood she lived in, including an acreage outside of Sherwood Park. Joan loved the outdoors and enjoyed all acreage life had to offer – taking care of animals, tending to her bountiful garden, inviting city folk out for a visit, and simply enjoying nature. An accomplished piano player, the playful sound of Joan’s music often wafted throughout the Olesky home.
Later in life, Joan embarked on several adventures with her partner in crime, Lee Mann, including travels to Victoria and PEI, sunny vacations to Phoenix and Reno, and cruises to several destinations including the Yukon and Caribbean.
Fiercely independent, at 85 she was living in her own house with her driver’s license and she enjoyed picking up Dean and Grant for weekend visits from their group homes.
Joan will be deeply missed by her kids – Dean, Brian (Lisa Wickstrom) and Lynn (Brad Hoover), brother-in-law Quince Wensveen, and sister-in-law Patricia Olesky. In addition to her parents and siblings, Joan was predeceased by son Grant this past November, partner Lee Mann, and nephew Ian. She will also be fondly remembered by niece Janice Wensveen (Earl Smith) and nephew Quentin Wensveen along with his children Mathias, Sophie, and Hadlee.
On Wednesday, August 13th at 10:30 am a funeral mass and celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (OLPH), in Sherwood Park. Everyone is welcome. OLPH will livestream this service. Joan’s online memorial page will be updated as more details become available, at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/glenwood/obituaries/joan-olesky/145287.html