À la mémoire de
Joan Rose Howey (Lions)
18 août 1922 –
18 août 2021
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joan on the early morning of Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Joan passed away peacefully on her 99th birthday with her step daughter Diane and step granddaughter Jennifer by her side at the Dorothy Ley Hospice. We are grateful for the compassionate care Joan received from the Dorothy Ley staff on her final days of life.
Joan was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe) to British parents (the late Willian Henry Robinson and Rose Morrant Robinson) who left England after WW1. She had one sister, Sybil Montgomery (preceded in death). Africa was always a very special place for Joan. The family left Africa in 1936 due to political unrest and settled in London, England where Joan spent her young adult life.
During WW2, Joan continued to live in London for some years and lived through the London Blitz. At the age of 19, she met and married a Canadian solider, her first husband, the late Captain Ewart Howey. Ultimately, making her an official war bride. Joan immigrated to Canada in 1943 aboard the Queen Mary, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax. Ewart joined her in Canada shortly after. Once in Canada, Joan joined the Canadian Army as a CWAC at the age of 21. Her husband Ewart continued as a permanent solider, where Joan lived as an army wife for most of her married life.
Professionally, Joan had attended business school and worked as a secretary for many years including a beloved position at Labatt’s. She later worked as a court reporter at the Toronto International Airport and later as an immigration officer. She was one of the first women immigration officers in Canada. Joan truly valued her position as an immigration officer and stayed in that role for 16 years until her retirement.
Sadly, her first husband Ewart became ill and died and Joan was widowed in 1993. After his death, Joan travelled extensively to different and exciting places around the world, especially with Elderhostel. She loved to see new places and meet new people.
In 1995, Joan started a new chapter and met her beloved Frankie (the late Frank Lions). They connected instantly and had a cherished marriage as they married late in life in 1998. They lived in Toronto and spent their retired years travelling and exploring the world. Joan always said Frank was a very fine man. Sadly, Frank passed away in October 2020, making Joan a widow for a second time.
Joan was always full of energy and had an incredible zest for life. She participated in anything she could to keep busy and to meet new people. She continued to be active with daily exercise up until her final months. Joan was continuously complemented on how she didn’t look or act her age, and Joan would preach, staying active and keep moving is the key to staying young! Her no-nonsense attitude and high energy were an inspiration to anyone who knew her.
Joan prided herself on her many hobbies such as reading, quilting, tai chi, theatre, good movies and most importantly her love for travel – a trait she inherited from her parents. Joan always considered herself to have a very good and blessed life. She had two great parents, a wonderful sister, cherished friends and extended family, and two very good husbands. She chose to live a full and interesting life with no regrets, a true journey of an inspiring life.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family funeral will be held at the Turner and Porter Peel Chapel.
For those who wish, donations can be made to the Dorthey Ley Hospice or Sleeping Children Around the World charity in Joan’s memory
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Rose Howey Lions 18 août 1922
18 août 2021..
turner & porter funeral directors
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario