McCarraher, Joanne « Joan »:
Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Grand River Hospital at the age of 85.
Beloved wife of Michael for over 57 years. Loving Mum of Andréa Miljkovic (George) and Yasmin McCarraher (Woolcock). Cherished Irish Nana of Aliyah and Noah Woolcock and Teja Miljkovic.
Special Aunt to Robert Flood, Geraldine Brown (nee Flood), Richard (Lucy) McCarraher, Lisa Parker (Mike) and Alan and Jonathon Old and their families.
Predeceased by her siblings Mona, Maura and William Flood. Daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Flood (nee Tully).
Joanne was born and raised in Crumlin, Dublin 12 Ireland. Although she lost her own mother at the young age of 2 years old she was raised by her wonderful Daddy and older siblings in a tight-knit, loving home. As strong as her love was for her family, her extraordinary talent and love of competitive ballroom dancing, for which she won many awards led her to London, England the epicenter of competitive dance. It was there she met her competitive dance partner at Sidney Francis Dance Studio in Balham whom she later married in 1963.
Joanne and Michael migrated to Canada in 1966 where their lifetime passion of dancing continued with the opening of their first dance studio in Cambridge, Ontario JA-MY Dance Studio. They continued to compete and became well known to many for their teaching of Ballroom, Latin American, Tango, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Disco dances to beginners with “two left feet”, to figure skaters, through their popular ‘Come Dancing’ local television show and at the University of Waterloo in the later years. Through Joanne’s genuine love of people, her ‘gift of the gab’ and exceptional sense of style, she thrived in the KW Bridal industry then in Women’s Fashion. During her many years at Red Coral in St. Jacob’s she enjoyed meeting visitors from all over the world, many of whom would make a point of coming back to see her time after time.
Joanne remained steadfast to her Irish heritage, loved her family unconditionally and she could never spend enough time with her children and grandchildren who all adore her. She is the love of Michael’s life. She was loved by all who knew her fun, warm caring nature and beautiful smiling face. Mum/Nana we will all miss you more than words can say.
The family would like to thank the Emergency team at Grand River Hospital, and especially the amazing care team in ICU A at Grand River Hospital. Your compassion was greatly appreciated.
Joanne’s family will receive relatives and friends from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 13th, 2020 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener. A private family service will be held at Blessed Sacrament RC Church. Those wishing to attend Joan’s visitation must RSVP through the funeral home website or by calling 519-749-8467. Face masks are mandatory.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Grand River Hospital Foundation – Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Joanne’s memorial.
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Tuesday December 8th 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Joanne Therese Mary McCarraher Tuesday December 8th 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario