1934 - 2025
Joseph passed away at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the age of 90.
He was born in Marlbank, Ontario in 1934 to Stan and Rose Mulrooney. Joe grew up in the depression and wartime era with 12 siblings and is survived by his sister Maureen. Joe was a sporting enthusiast showing promise in both hockey and baseball which he participated in well into his 50s. Joseph was educated at Marlbank Elementary School and Tweed Secondary School before going to the Peterborough Normal School to become an educator at the age of 18. He later graduated from Algoma University with a bachelor's degree in Geography.
He taught elementary school in Ontario first in Erinsville then Bogart following up with time at Prince Charles School in Napanee. He then took a job in Montreal River choosing a path in education over a minor league opportunity with the St Louis Cardinals because the pay was so much better. A challenging education position in 1957 with no Hwy 17 north of Sault Ste Marie. At one point having children in grades 1 to 13 in a one room school. He literally taught at the end of the highway educating the children of the work crews along with families of the hydro electric, logging and mining industries. In 1966 with the amalgamation of school boards he joined the Sault Ste Marie Board of Education as a teacher, principal and bus driver. With changes in demographics, he eventually became the principal of both Montreal River and COSomes Elementary School in Batchawana Bay until his retirement in 1988. He remembered the names and associations with every child he ever taught. He treasured all and truly cared for you. He enjoyed the many visits and contacts he had with everyone over the years. He made a point to actively follow your many accomplishments and enjoyed seeing all your success.
Joe and Yvonne, his wife and copilot for over 70 years raised 5 children in this very challenging area. They devoted their time and energy to giving every opportunity to their children Susan Preston, Barry (Nicole), Tom (Lori), Shari Sampson (Randy) and late Sandra Laughren (late Terry). Proud grandfather of John, Jason, Joe, Ryan, Erin and Caleb and many great grandchildren. He cherished his time with all of you and loved you dearly.
He was honored to be a part of such a large family with all his brothers and sisters. He was happiest organizing reunions with his late brother Kevin and took great pride in seeing all his family together.
In the community he organized softball leagues, hockey tournaments, broomball competitions and winter carnivals. He would spend hours working on creating rinks and taking his time flooding and clearing them. For many years he prepared and fussed over baseball fields and playgrounds making sure we were playing on fields that were immaculate. He was a founding member of the Batchawana Fire Department and spent over 20 years as a member of Sault North Community Policing.
He was an enthusiastic moose hunter. He hunted with a close-knit group of friends from Marlbank for many years. He was an avid country and western music lover. Yvonne and Joe travelled to many concerts in Canada as well as Nashville and Branson.
He was very proud of his home and property at Pancake Bay. He loved the area and was an active part of the community. He wanted to spend his entire life on the shores of Lake Superior, which he did.
Joe will be cremated as per his wishes and a celebration of life will be held at his home in Pancake Bay on Saturday, July 26, 2025 – with further details to be announced. A private family interment will be done later in September. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), Batchawana Fire Dept or the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Windsor Place. Your kindness, patience and understanding made dads transition away from Pancake Bay tolerable. He understood the need to move into a more supportive environment. You all made it possible. To Shawn, he trusted your judgement and accepted your care and recommendations.
To the diligent caring staff of the Sault Area Hospital. Thank you to the nurses in ICU and unit 3C. A very special thanks to nurses Maria and Megan who took care of dad and the family in his final hours. Your caring and compassion made such an impression, thank you. Thank you also to Dr. Landry and Dr. George for your understanding and care. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com