Obituary of Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers

Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers departed quietly on June 26th, 2022 in her 72nd year, at University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.

Born on the 5th day of December of 1949 in Waterford, Ontario, the eldest daughter; she was predeceased by her parents, Telford (Chum) and Editha Hammond, and her brother Peter Hammond.

She is survived by her husband, Gary J. Meiers; son, Michael Meiers (Clarice); brothers Charlie (Audrey), Rick (Sandra), and sister-in-law Mary Hammond; her many nieces and nephews: Daniel, John, Patrick, Chad, Dean, Jane Ann, Derek, Ryan, Warren, Jenna (along with their partners); and several grand nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Jo Ann worked in the field of mental health counselling upon graduation from the University of Guelph in 1975 with a Masters in Psychology. She became a Registered Psychologist in 1982 and went on to receive her Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in Counselling Psychology in 1992. In addition, Jo Ann was a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (2009), who obtained Registration with the Academy of Dance Therapists (1986), a Registered Canadian Art Therapist (2005) with the Canadian Art Therapy Association, a Registered Art Therapist with the American Art Therapy Association, longstanding member of the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association and lifetime member of the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta.

Embodying the spirit of lifelong learning and an infectious youthful exuberance, Jo Ann was highly motivated to keep abreast of changes and current methodologies, this commitment to continued education led to her attaining a graduate diploma in Distance Education and Technology from Athabasca University (2009), completing levels I and II of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing training from the EMDR Institute (1998) and becoming a Certified Law of Attraction Life Coach with the Quantum Success Coaching Academy (QSCA) (2013).

Compassion with intention, steadfastness without rigidity, an openness to different perspectives yet firm in her resolve to champion a cause she believed in. Over the many decades, Jo Ann never abandoned that which she felt gave her life purpose and meaning; demonstrating unwavering dedication to her chosen profession and many clients who came to trust and depend on her to offer guidance or support in times of need. In her personal and professional life, she was always willing to do her best to serve as someone’s port in a storm. However, despite her numerous achievements, it was clear to all who knew her that Jo Ann’s most treasured title and role in life, was that of being mother to her son Michael, the sunshine of her life. A proud member of the Hammond family, thoughts of her family in Ontario were never far from her mind; and a loving and devoted wife to her husband Gary J. Meiers of 36 years; Jo Ann Hammond- Meiers will be missed by many to whom she served as a mentor, ally, friend, and beloved confidante; may her memory live on through all those who cherished her.

A private family service will be held in St. Marys, Ontario at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Jo Ann can be made to:

WIN House        
PO Box 20088 RPO Beverly,
Edmonton AB T5W 5E6

Or a local charity that supports women and/or children in need in your area.