Passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family in her 87th year on Monday August 24, 2026. Joan was the eldest of three children to Dorothy and Norman Townsend, sister to Carol Austin and brother Dave (Margaret) Townsend. She was the beloved wife of 59 years to the late Donald McAlpine, mother of the late Douglas McAlpine (2012), Michael (Loriann), Grandmother to Ryan (2005), Jacqueline and Great Grandmother to Elena, Lucas and Emilia. She will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews and her dog Skye. Predeceased by her Parents Norm and Dorothy Townsend, her niece Tammy Townsend (2025), sister-in-law Elenor Williams, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Grace McAlpine and brothers-in-law, Murray McAlpine Arnold Irvine and Glen Austin.
Joan was the true matriarch of her family. She believed in helping others. She volunteered for many organizations. She had a passion for gardening. She was a wonderful cook and loved to knit, crochet and sew. She deeply cared for others and was always there to help anyone in any way she could. She received a tremendous amount of joy from her home and her neighbours who she considered as friends.
Visitation will take place at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Thursday September 17th 2026 at 11am-12pm with a Memorial Service to follow in the Hart Chapel. All are invited to join the family for a light lunch in the reception room afterward. A private interment will take place at Rockwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Hospice Wellington or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
