Jolann Dave YSMAEL
This is the story of Jolann Dave Figueroa-Ysmael. Jolann was a fabulous man who was loved, is deeply missed, and will always be cherished. Jolann, or “Ganda” (pretty in Filipino) as he wanted to refer to himself, was an incredible son, brother, friend, and co-worker.
Jolann’s story starts on March 30, 1993, as the oldest child to Casimiro Ysmael and Hilda Figueroa. He was born in Quezon City, Philippines. When Jolann was still little, Casimiro and Hilda moved their small family to Tarlac, where Jolann would spend his youth, grow up, create many lifelong relationships, and go to school. In 2009, he graduated third in his class at Sapang High School. Jolann was an intelligent kid; not once did he ask his parents for help with his school assignments because he could effortlessly figure it out himself.
Since he was young, Jolann dreamt of teaching and inspiring young children, so he took a degree in Elementary Education at Tarlac Agricultural University, where he finished cum laude in 2013. Right after graduating, Jolann took the Licensure Exam for Teachers and ranked in the top 6 in the entire country. Although everyone foresaw these outcomes, his triumphs made his family and friends proud.
In 2015, Jolann moved to Canada with his family. The unfamiliar environment brought many opportunities and also challenges to Jolann. He felt like he had to start again from the beginning, but despite these circumstances, Jolann strived through. Canada became home to him, and he was very proud to be an Edmontonian and Canadian.
Jolann attended the Early Learning and Childcare program at Grant MacEwan University and was granted a Childcare Development Supervisor (Level 3) Certificate in Alberta. As an early childhood educator, Jolann helped many youngsters grow, discover, and learn. He took pride in his work, which shows in the way the children and their families speak about Jolann.
Jolann was a lot of things, a lot of good things. Besides being intelligent and caring, Jolann was funny, kind, thoughtful, and an absolute fashionista. Wherever he went, he would always be the best-dressed person in the room and make everyone happy and laugh with all his silly and goofy jokes. He was also unapologetic and proud of who he was as a person. As Jolann once said, “Be gorge, be you, and be totally unapologetic about it.”
He loved and enjoyed being outdoors and staying active. Most of the time, you would find him in a lake, river, park, or mountain, camping, boating, biking, or just enjoying the scenery. When he was not, he would be in the gym or at home watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, Game of Thrones, Golden Girls, Disney movies, any show, book, or movie that holds the same pizzazz as him. He also adored LEGOs and his Nintendo switch as it made his inner child delighted.
Loved ones that will miss Jolann until they meet again are his mother, Hilda Figueroa; his siblings, Cathrine, Lorenz, and Justine Ysmael; his best friend, Jenny MacAulay; his close friends, Christian Gannon, Taylor Palamarek, JR Aquino, and Jeanea Biollo; his friends and family here in Canada and the Philippines; and his Brookview Childcare family.
And so the story goes on until we see Jolann again. We love you and miss you, Kuya. We will keep you in our hearts and cherish you for as long as we live.
A public visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, from 6:00 – 9:00 at Pointe West Cremation & Funeral Service 15305-112 Avenue.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at River West Church, 19815-45 Avenue, Edmonton, AB.
To livestream the service, please go to
You’ll be missed and never forgotten,Apong Jolan.You’re family surely cherished all the days you’ve spend together, memories and the legacy you left behind. Rest In Peace!
Our deepest condolences to jolann’s family and friends. This is a great loss to you and to Brookview Montessori. Find peace, Ganda 🌺
Our deepest Condolences to the bereaved family and RIP Jolann
He is my best friend. This is one of the hardest things to go through. He will be deeply missed. Never forgotten.
Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
So sorry for you lost.
Praying for healing – especially kay gayyem Hilda. RIP Jolann💐
Our deepest condolences.. so sorry for your loss.
Praying for healing especially kay gayyem Hilda.
RIP Jolann 💐
I always saw Jolann at brookview every time I dropped and picked up my son last school year till June this year. We always laughed even non since topic. He is very friendly and jolly. His mom Hilda is a good friend of mine too!
To you and Hilda and your kids, be strong! Hoping to see Jolann in Paradise!
Our deepest condolences to the family . We truly miss you Jolan RIP🙏❤️
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family ❤️
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Rest In Peace my friend
God bless on you my best friend .
Jollan
I haven’t seen you for ages, our deepest sympathy and condolences!. From your uncle Roy Ysmael & Family
Rest in power, my friend. I’ll miss our conversations.
So incredibly sad to hear that Jolann is gone. I was one of Jolann’s supervisors during his field placement in the ELCC program. He was such a wonderful student and a joy to be around! All of the children loved him and asked for weeks after his placement was over when he was going to come back. His personality filled the room and brought smiles to everyone’s faces. I wish I had the chance to work with him more. You’ll be missed Jolann!