Obituary of Jo-Anne Isobel Harrison

Peacefully, at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at age 60. Jo-Anne (nee Barker), beloved wife of Kevin Harrison. Loved mother of Adrienne Scrivens-Firth (Joel), Amber Webb (Sean), Deanelle McGriskin (Mike), Evan Harrison (Suzanne) and Nicole Harrison (Ryan). Proud “Ginny” of Justin, Jared, Madison, Claire and Blake. Cherished daughter of Dean and Isobel Barker and daughter-in-law of Hildreth and the late Eachern Harrison. Dear sister of Kevin Barker (Marie) and Bruce Barker (Jane) and sister-in-law of Sherry Cameron (the late Steve), Lois Simpson (Dean), Charlene Harrison, Keith Harrison (Lisa) and Phil Harrison (Amy). Cherished friend of Cris Willems. She will be missed by all of her extended family and friends. Private arrangements entrusted to the Thorne Funeral Home, 109 Laidlaw Street South in Cannington (705-432-2672). If desired, memorial donations may be made to the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.thornefuneralhome.ca Mama’s Hands I saw you hide your hands in line, behind that lady fair, I noticed too, hers soft and white – immaculate from care. But Ma, I say, it’s no disgrace to have workin’ hands like you, and had she lived the life you have, she’d have hand just like it too. But her hands have never hauled in wood, or worked in God’s good earth. They’ve never felt the bitter cold, or chopped ice for waitin’ stock, they’ve never doctored sick one, or dressed a horse’s hock. They’ve never pulled a hip-locked calf, or packed water to the barn. They’ve probably never patched blue jeans, or had worn ol’ socks to darn. They’ve never touched a young’n, or caressed a fevered head, with hands so gently folded, all night beside his bed. They’ve never scrubbed a kitchen floor, or done dishes every day. They’ve never guided with those hands a child who’s lost the way. They’ve never made a Christmas gift, shaped by a lovin’ hand. They’ve never peeled apples, nor vegetables they’ve canned. They’ve never worn a blister, or had calluses to show, for all they’ve done for others, and the kindness I know. So you see, my dearest Mama – yours are hands of love. And I bet the Lord will notice when he greets you from above. By Tommi Jo Casteel