A special event is being planned to celebrate the life of
well-known community activist Joanne Nother, who died in a fire
Feb. 28, 2005.
Over a year has passed since the tragic accident claimed
Nother's life, but the celebration is timed to coincide with
what would have been her 49th birthday (May 3). 
Next Saturday, May 6, Nother's family, friends and other
acquaintances who were touched by her determination to improve
the lives of the disabled, will gather for an informal and
upbeat celebration of her life.
"This is what Joanne wanted in her will," says friend Rachel
Proulx, who is helping organize the event on behalf of Nother's
family.
Nother specified in her will that she wanted her memorial to
be "an upbeat affair," not a sad one, because she's "off on a
new journey." She requested her favourite music be played,
people remember her as she was, and that everyone dress
casually and comfortably.
Proulx wants to get the word out about the celebration to
everyone who knew Nother through her dedicated work on many
volunteer boards, committees and organizations.
Proulx has created a website,
www.thinkactdo.com
, in honour of her friend and the upcoming celebration. 
The site offers an electronic guestbook where visitors can post
their memories about Nother and the impact she had on their
lives. 
Anyone with relevant photos can post them on the website and
there's also an extensive biography of Nother, including
information on her struggle with MS and highlights of her many
achievements.
Proulx says Nother's "send off party" is by invitation only.  To request an invitation, people can log onto the website or phone Proulx at 524-3648.
