Jo Ann Carmichael

April  28th, 1951 • October  31st, 2024
Vancouver, BC
Jo Ann Carmichael

Time held me green and dying,
Though I sang in my chains like the sea.

Obituary

JO Ann Carmichael, K.C. (1951-2024) died in her sleep on October 31 after a protracted illness. She is survived by two siblings and a host of younger family members – each of whom she loved and by all of whom she was adored. She leaves also many grieving friends.


After university graduation (University of Ottawa, BA ’72 and Dalhousie, LLB ’76) Jo Ann practiced disability litigation and matrimonial law with Owen Bird before moving to Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang in 1989.



Throughout her career Jo Ann exemplified the best ideals of law as a profession. She served the Law Society with distinction as a Bencher and was appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 2000. She was also passionately committed to improving the place of women in the profession. Always, she was learned and committed while also caring and sometimes very funny.


We encourage you to add your photographs, memories of Jo Ann and messages to her family on this page.  A celebration of her life is being planned; details will be announced here. You can also RSVP, below, to be emailed details when they have been finalized.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to the BC Cancer Agency: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate.

Timeline

1951
April 28th
Jo Ann's birth date.
Jo Ann and Mary Ann Carmichael join older brothers Don and Doug..
Ottawa, ON, Canada
1972
Graduated from University of Ottawa, B.A.
Jo Ann leaves her home in Ottawa to move east.
Ottawa, ON, Canada
1976
Graduated from Dalhousie University with her LL.B.
Jo Ann sets her sights on the west coast. Vancouver, here she comes!
Halifax, NS, Canada
1977
July 13th
Called to the BC Bar.
Jo Ann joins law when only approximately 10% of lawyers were women.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1986
Martindale-Hubbell Insurance + Family Distinguished with High Ethical Standing
First of 34 consecutive years in which Jo Ann was bestowed this honour.
1989
Joined Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
Vancouver, BC
1990
January 1st
Became Partner at AHBL
Jo Ann was the first female partner at AHBL.
2000
Appointed Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel)
No more than 7% of practicing BC lawyers can be appointed Q.C./K.C. at any given time.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
2011
Best Lawyers in Canada (Family Law and Insurance Law)
First of 13 consecutive years in which Jo Ann was bestowed this honour.
2024
October 31st
Shuffled off this mortal coil.
Vancouver, BC

Gallery

Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


November 30, 2024
The thing about being a twin is that I have never alone -for long- and there’s always someone to play with!
As little ones we were allowed to go to the park by ourselves, because, after all there was 2 of us. We protected each other. Together we were an invincible team.
One hot summer day, Jo Ann told me we could buy all the kids in the park ice cream! All I had to do was run home, and quiet as a mouse, get the piece of paper hidden in this one cupboard, without being seen. So off I ran home. I found the magic paper. The whole park went across to the corner store for ice cream! it was magic! Such fun!
JoAnn was always so clever!
We were all enjoying this magic when our very angry mother appeared out of nowhere ! Missing our dinner was a small price to pay for the thrill of magic that led to ice cream! It was one of countless other adventures together in childhood- Jo Ann was the brains, and I was her willing accomplice. Such a marvellous partnership all these yrs!
I miss her terribly, and yet I believe she has just gone ahead, checking out a new adventure for us both …and then I dont feel alone for long. Love,MA
Mary Ann Carmichael
November 28, 2024
I worked with Jo Ann at AHBL for many years without actually getting to know her. It was not until after she retired that we became friends and then I felt fortunate to know the warm, witty, and brilliant woman that she was. I am thinking of you Mary Ann, Don, Holly and your families.
Jennifer O'Leary

Favorites


What was Jo Ann's favourite Color?
It depends. She went for neutral decor, with a splash of aquamarine. Her garden was bursting with red and white roses. In clothes, she loved vibrant red.
What were Jo Ann's favourite flowers?
The roses in her garden.
What was Jo Ann's favourite Drink?
Just one? White wine, gin and tonic and of course, scotch.
What was Jo Ann's favourite music?
Jo Ann loved classical music, in particular Chopin Waltzes for piano. As an accomplished pianist, Jo Ann both played and enjoyed listening to these pieces. 
What cause was important to Jo Ann?
Jo Ann strongly believed in justice, and access to justice. 
What was Jo Ann's favorite Local spot?
Her garden. Anyone who has seen it will understand why.
What was Jo Ann's favorite Restaurant?
Jo Ann loved good food. She would be aghast at being asked to chose just one!
Who was Jo Ann's favourite musical artist?
Jo Ann enjoyed pianist Angela Hewitt. 
Who was Jo Ann's favourite painter?
Jo Ann loved art. She tended to prefer representational pieces, but not always. She acquired an impressive and diverse collection during her lifetime. It would be difficult to chose a favourite from among them.

Service


Jo Ann's family is planning to Celebrate Jo Ann at an event in Vancouver, BC in the spring of 2025. The information will be posted here, once arrangements are finalized. 

If you would like to ensure that you are contacted with the details, please rsvp here, and we will email you with the date, time and location. 
RSVP

Donate to the BC Cancer Agency

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Jo Ann very much appreciated the care she received from the BC Cancer Agency. If you would like to do something in Jo Ann's honour, her family asks that you consider donating to the BC Cancer Agency, at http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate. 
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