It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Mary Douglas announces her passing on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in her 97th year, at Fiddicks in Petrolia. JM was born May 15, 1926, in Montreal, the only child of James and May Dever (nee Whittles). She was predeceased by her husband Jack (2011), her son Jim (1984), daughter Nancy (1985), and granddaughter Caitlin (1986). JM is survived by sons John (Elena), Bill (Sandy), grandchildren Jeremy (Cathy), Marc (Laura), Brett (Meghan), Jaime (Chris), laian, Krista, Bronwen (Eric), Andrew (Irina), Shauna (Cody), Patrick (Bianca), Amanda (Keith), and Charles (Laura). Great grandchildren include Leila, Lucy, Parker, Quinn, Millie, Haley, Mikayla, Carter, Hudson, Ellie, Izzy, Sadie and Teddy.
JM graduated from McGill University with a degree in Physiotherapy and JM and Jack made their way to Sarnia. At that time, JM pursued her interests, becoming the first physio in the original children’s treatment centre, the forerunner to the current Pathways Health Centre for Children. She eventually relinquished her career to stay at home to be a special Mom to her four children. JM loved her house on London Road, where she could look out the kitchen window at the hockey, baseball, and football games in the backyard and act as impromptu referee and nurse when necessary. She never tired of saying: « It was a great house, wasn’t it? »
Over the years, JM followed a wide variety of passions and interests including tennis, curling, buying and restoring antique furniture, and accurately recording the family tree. After Jack’s retirement, the two of them enjoyed many memorable winter months in Destin, Florida.
JM was always a very positive person, who maintained her sense of humour and command of one-liners to the very end. Among her favourites were: « I gave up worrying. It doesn’t work! » and « I’m 96? How did that happen? »
JM’s family would like to thank some people who made her feel very special in the latter part of her life. These include Nancy and the entire staff at Fairwinds, where JM lived for 11 years, Bob and Mary Jane Foley, who always included her in their outings with Bob Sr., Sarah, Krista, and all the staff at Fiddick’s, and Gail Nisbet who was like a second daughter to JM.
A funeral service will be held at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with family and friends received one hour prior to the service. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery. In honour of JM’s affinity for the colour blue, the family requests that you wear your best blue attire or ensemble piece to the visitation. Donations in her memory may be made to Pathways Health Centre for Children (cheques only at the funeral home please).
May 15th 1926 October 19th 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Joan Mary Douglas May 15th 1926 October 19th 2022..
smith funeral home
Décès pour la Ville:Sarnia, Province: Ontario