Joan Martin

She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years Al Martin and survived by her loving children Scot (Tracey), Cathy (the late Michael Doto and partner Chris) and Susan (Meldan) and eight grandchildren: Alexis, Geoffrey (Ashley), Eliza (Pete), Rachel (Mike), Zachary, Trevor (Sabrina), Emily (Andrew) and Gemma (Aaron) and three great grandchildren (Moira, Jack and Will).

Joan was born in Toronto, graduated from North Toronto Collegiate, attended University of Toronto and the Ontario Teachers College, becoming a teacher at Queen Alexandra Public School, where she met her future husband, a fellow first year teacher.

Joan retired from teaching upon the birth of her children and set the bar incredibly high as a mother, serving as her children’s teacher, mentor and overall biggest supporter, taking great pride in their accomplishments. She was kind, loving, thoughtful and compassionate, often putting the needs of others before her own. She was an accomplished baker and crafter, and loved camping and nature, taking special delight in all manner of living things. Many of her favourite times were spent gardening at her home in East York or with her mother, Jean MacLean, and her children at the family cottage on Lake Simcoe, a property which was once a part of the MacLean family farm north of the 7th concession Innisfil Township along the Lake.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care provided by Joan’s three personal support workers, Rowena, Jalainie and Sofie. Their tireless efforts and loving ways allowed Joan to remain comfortable in her home on the valley, where she had resided for more than 70 years until her death – as was her wish.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be welcomed.

In keeping with her wishes, we will be remembering Joan with a private service for family and close friends.