(July 28, 1941 – June 18, 2017) - After four years courageously battling cancer, Joanne passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side. Loving wife to Harold and mother to Kim, Harold Jr. (Lisa Montgomery), and Corey (Amy), and proud gramma of Nolan, Gabriel, Wren, Sabastian, and another grandson on his way. Beloved sister of Ron Rowlinson (Alison), Linda Vandette (the late Del, partner Dave Peever), Ruth Kelso (Bruce), and Patty Stephens (the late Mark). Daughter of the late Herb and Thelma Rowlinson and daughter-in-law to Margaret Spicer and the late Floyd Daynard (the late Mary). Sister-in-law of the late Stan Daynard (Janice), Pauline McKerlie (the late Bob, partner Kevin Tobin), the late Maxine Steeves (the late Jim Donaldson, the late George Steeves), the late Albert Daynard (Ruth), and the late Marilyn Gordon. Joanne will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Joanne was known to have both a generous spirit and a creative soul. Throughout her life, she expressed her many talents through crocheting afghans and blankets, knitting and crocheting baby clothing, making macramé hangers and decorative items, constructing pine cone wreaths, and beading jewelry and ornamental dragon flies to thoughtfully give to her family and friends. There are many people near and far who have beautiful examples of her talented, big heart in their home. Joanne wanted to crochet a baby blanket for new grandson on the way, but was unable to complete it. Joanne’s many talents and skills included cooking and baking, and her recipe for delicious dinner rolls was sought by and shared with many. Joanne’s natural inclination was to always put others before herself. She enjoyed picking strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and then giving half of them away. She had a fondness for gardening, animals, and nature. For many years, she enjoyed taking walks with Emily Campbell and Marguerite Gouchie, and going for drives to see the deer and to listen to the frogs sing. Joanne was a bookkeeper for Harold’s Garage in Hilton Beach from 1971 – 1997. She sat on the Library Board of Hilton Beach for many years, and volunteered at many St. Joseph Island Lions events and other functions. For many years, she collected bells and displayed them at the Island Museum’s collection days. Most importantly, Joanne worked hard to raise a family and make the world a better place. Joanne was a nurturing and supportive mother, who loved unconditionally, and only wanted her children to be happy in life. Joanne encouraged creativity, imagination, and adventure. She did not care if you made a mess or a mistake, so long as you learned something or had a good time doing it. She opened her heart and her arms to her children’s friends, partners, and spouses, and touched so many who will miss her genuine warmth, good humour, and infectious laughter. Her grandchildren were her light, and she often said that when God made grandchildren, he gave her the best. For all of these reasons, and many more, Joanne’s family deeply adored her.
Joanne faced her illness with dignity, a positive attitude, and great strength, with the loving support of her husband and family. Joanne’s children wish to acknowledge their father, Harold, who was a rock and provided the utmost devotion, and loving care and support to Joanne until the very end. Thanks to Dr. Spadafora and the Cancer Clinic, Bayshore Nurses and We Care workers (especially Monica), and to all who contributed to Joanne’s care during her illness. Additional thanks to palliative care nurse Rita and the caring and compassionate staff at ARCH. Special thanks to cousins Terry and Nancy Rowlinson for their unwavering support and thoughtfulness throughout Joanne’s battle. Joanne will be cremated and a service to celebrate her life will be held at the Hilton Hall in Hilton Beach, Ontario, on Friday June 23, 2017 between 5pm and 8pm. Memorial donations to the Hilton Hall, the Cancer Clinic, or ARCH Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Joanne fought long and hard, but she had made peace with her situation. She wanted us all to reflect on the good times, smile and laugh, and know that her heart was full of love for her friends and family. She requested the following passage be shared upon her passing. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St 705-759-8456. Expressions of sympathy and condolences available on-line at: www.osullivanfuneralhome.com.
When I’m Gone
by Mrs. Lyman Hancock
When I come to the end of my journey,
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned,
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words that I have spoken,
Remember some good that I have done.
Forget that I ever had a heartache,
And remember that I’ve had loads of fun.
Forget that I have stumbled and blundered,
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember that I have fought some hard battles,
And won, ere the close of day.
And come in the evening,
When the sun paints the sky in the West,
Stand for a few moments beside me,
And remember only my best.
- -
Mom, if our love could have cured you, you would have lived forever.