Obituary
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White, Joan Ann
It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved mother passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Brantford General Hospital at the age of 84. Born in London, Ontario to the late James and Mary Heslop, Joan was one of 12 siblings; predeceased by John Heslop, Jim Heslop and Doreen Corruthers and survived by Mary Conn, Margie Haynes, Brian Heslop, Eleanor Nicol, Jo Schmid, Butch Heslop, Ronnie Purssglove and Tim Heslop. Mom raised five children; Judy, Mike, Pam, Paula and Jen and will be deeply missed by each of them and their spouses/partners. She was the much loved grandma to William, Brady and Juliette Mawhinney, Mitchell, Alyssa, Joshua and Julia Dunn and Layla and Emmett White-Smith. Her nine grandchildren were the absolute light of her life and she was extremely proud of each of them.
Mom started her 40 year career as a Catholic elementary school teacher in London at the age of 18 and worked as a teacher and Principal until her retirement from the Brant County Separate School Board in 1996. While raising her family, she obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees along with several other teaching credentials so that she could best serve the students in her care. She loved the classroom, and over the course of her career she worked for both the Public and Catholic School Boards in several cities in Ontario, with a highlight being time spent as a Special Education teacher. Some of her students later said she was the best teacher they ever had. She had a soft spot for struggling students and had a positive impact on countless kids throughout her teaching career. Many former students would approach Mom over the years and share with her that she was that teacher who believed in them when they didn’t believe in themselves and helped put them on a positive path forward. Those encounters with former students always brought Mom such pride and joy.
In her free time, Mom enjoyed sewing, knitting, baking, gardening, singing in the church choir, long walks, clothes shopping, and after her retirement, travelling and spending time with her family including special grandma time with all of her grandchildren. Mom had a natural warmth and kindness; it made people light up to see her everywhere she went. We are forever grateful for Mom’s selfless, giving spirit as she always took care of others. We will miss so many things about Mom including her delicious homemade pies, her big family meals, long conversations over cups of tea (preferably in Royal Doulton or Royal Albert teacups) and her sharp insight into current events.
In accordance with her wishes, a private family service will be held at McCleister Funeral Home with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. If wished, memorial donations to the Foundation Fighting Blindness or the Legacy of Hope Foundation would be gratefully appreciated. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca
McCleister: (519) 758-1553

September 27 1938

October 15 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Joan Ann White September 27 1938

October 15 2022..

mccleister funeral home
Décès pour la Ville:Brantford, Province: Ontario

avis deces Joan Ann White September 27 1938

October 15 2022

avis mortuaire Joan Ann White September 27 1938

October 15 2022