Joanna Sanderson Scholarship Fund

Joanna touched many people throughout her life, but perhaps none more than her elementary school students in Lillooet.

Joanna completed her Bachelor of Education – Elementary from the University of British Columbia in association with the University College of the Cariboo in Kamloops, British Columbia in May 1995.

Joanna (Miss Moen) began her teaching career in the Gold Trail School District (SD 74) in Lillooet after completing her practicum in Seton Portage.

In 1997, Joanna met her husband Mike and together fell in love with Lillooet.  They quickly established a strong network of close friends and became active members in many organizations in the community.

In 2003 Joanna was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour during her pregnancy with her beloved twins.  Joanna began her tumultuous journey with surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible while pregnant with her babies.  She courageously regained her mobility at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Hospital before prematurely delivering her precious babies, Abby and Ryan so she could start her cancer treatments.   Joanna and Mike spent several months away from their home and were surround with love, kindness and support beyond their wildest expectations from their family and friends from their beloved community.  

Joanna and Mike sadly left Lillooet in 2004 and moved to Prince George where Mike recommenced his career with the BC Government.  They moved to Kamloops in 2008 so they could be closer to family as they anticipated and prepared Joanna’s dreadful fate.  

It is an understatement to say that she lived each day of her life with optimism and grace.  Her passion for education remained as she guided Abby and Ryan from kindergarten through to grade ten. 

In the early morning of October 20, 2018, after a very courageous 15-year battle Joanna sadly yet graciously passed away.

Mike and Joanna humbly accepted the generous support during the initial stages of Joanna’s battle with cancer. Their family would like to honor her passion for education and give back to the generous community of Lillooet in her name.

In lieu of flowers or if otherwise desired, the Sanderson family invite you to donate to the Joanna Sanderson Memorial Fund at Go Fund Me.  This fund will provide a scholarship each year to a graduate of the Lillooet Secondary School that commits to pursuing a career in education.