Holmes, Joan
The beautiful, funny and feisty Joan Holmes (née McMullan), left us Feb. 11, 2020 a few days after turning 87.
Despite declining health and the steady encroachment of Alzheimer's Disease, “Joanie Maronie” preserved her considerable wit and kindness. She was well loved by the staff of Grace Manor, the long-term care facility in Ottawa where she had lived the past three years (and Unitarian House before that).
Joan is remembered affectionately by staff for her crossword-solving abilities and an almost unbroken streak in weekly bingo nights and also for her photographic memory of songs and ditties (some of which were quite saucy). Aches and pains be damned, Joan never complained about anything. She smiled easily, enthusiastically with the clearest set of blue eyes you might have ever seen.
She was surrounded by love and care when she died, fittingly completing the circle of love and care she always surrounded others with.
Her children, Michael, Chris and Kanina Holmes, loved her to the moon and will now look for her in the stars (and in the wings of butterflies). We expect she is dancing, fully restored and with our dad, the sweet, curious and twinkly eyed, Brian Holmes, who we lost in 2012. Joan's parents, Hannah and Alfred McMullan are, no doubt sitting nearby, in their recliners, happy to be reunited.
Joan leaves seven grandchildren, a great granddaughter (and one more on the way). Her younger brother, “wee Dougie” McMullan in Sudbury, will be left to carry the family torch.
Joan trained as a nurse and spent most of her life as a domestic engineer with the highest of standards and strongest of opinions. Her warmth, charm, loyalty and fierce sense of social justice, lingers behind and for us to take up and make our own.
Burial and grave-side service on Sat. Feb. 15 at 10:30 am at Highland Cemetery , 2037 Mcgee Side Road, Carp, ON. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Sympathy Messages
My condolences with the loss of your mom . May the Lord be with you in the coming days. Hugs Elise
- Elise Keeler, on
February 13, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Joan was such a sweet lady. She had quite the character and I certainly was privileged to have known her. Her room was beside my Dad's at Grace Manor. Thinking of you all in this different time. Beth and Greg Park
- Beth Park, on
February 13, 2020
I only got to meet your mother briefly , but in that very short time her Blue eyes sparkled and her smile warmed the room. May she Rest In Peace .
- Christine Robinson, on
February 13, 2020
I feel lucky to have grown up with such a great lady as a neighbor and to have you as friends when I was a kid. I am sorry for your loss and that I cannot make the service it would be so great to see you all. I believe she is in a great place now happy without any pain. Thanks for being good friends growing up and I will keep my eyes open for butterflies.
Best Todd Carroll
- Todd Carroll, on
February 13, 2020
We send our deepest condolences. Joan was such a lovely women and her sense of humour will be what I remember the most.
- Dana Martin , on
February 13, 2020
Sending our thoughts and love during this difficult time.
- Kim O'Hara, on
February 14, 2020
Much love and sympathy from Downshore . Please know our hearts are with you at this time . Love and Prayers from Pat and family
- Pat Scott, on
February 14, 2020
Condolences to all the family. our thoughts are with you, during this difficult time.
hugs .
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February 14, 2020
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