Joan Bak

Joan Mary Bak, age 90, (Nee Griffin) of Toronto, Ontario passed away peacefully in Mississauga Monday November 26, 2018 with family at her side. Joan was born October 23, 1928 in Calumet Island, Quebec to John and Genevieve (Kennedy ) Griffin. Joan was one of seven children and the beloved wife of the late John Bak. Joan is survived by her sister: Hortense Stanton (late Lawrence) sister-in-law's Connie Griffin (late Michael) Marianne Dezeeuw (nee Bak) her husband Cor and Joans brother in-law Keith Bak and wife Maria. Predeceased by siblings Patricia Stanton, Ken, Maureen Cahill, Michael,Theresa Hunt and Elwyn. In 1940 Joan jumped at the opportunity to attend high school in Toronto. Joan's zest of adventure and travel began at that moment. Joan worked at Prudential Life for over 20 years always the organizer Joans passion for people and adventure led her to form Butler Academy Travel Club . In 1967 leading a travel group on a Ward Air flight, she met her future husband John on a seat behind her. A year later they married, Joan formed Joan Bak Travel and continued her adventures, to every corner of the globe. In 1962 joining "The Toronto Lawn and Tennis Club “ or as Joan warmly referred to as “The Lawn” she found another passion “Tennis”. Despite her petite stature Joan was fiercely competitive, entering numerous TLTC tournaments, leading to various Canadian Open Tournaments, eventually representing Team Canada at several Senior World Championships. With boundless energy Joan entered the Super Seniors World Championships in Australia(International Tennis Federation )at the age of 80 winning a bronze metal in singles. Joan loved her "Lawn Family”. Any social event Joan could be found at the centre of it all. She loved dancing, singing especially “Irish” songs and cherished her friendships forged over the 56 years at the “Lawn” Summers spent at Lake of Bays or Winters in Sarasota found Joan continuing her love of tennis, entertaining friends, family and leading social events consisting of music ,dancing and laughter. Joan loved to meet new people. She was a friend to all a stranger to none. Throughout life Joan could be observed repeating her childhood lessons. Love of family and faith in God. Joan showered her love of family every living day. With over 30 nieces and nephews, additionally more great nieces and nephews she was known as “ Aunt Joan”. Attending many of their births, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings etc. Aunt Joan always had words of encouragement, wisdom and passed along her positive energy no matter what the occasion. Be it a patient listener, a solution seeker or never give up boldness Aunt Joan provided and filled the void for many. Aunt Joan exhumed confidence inevitably showering onto those nearby. Joan moved through life with a stylish flair, giving , praying , singing and laughing. Thankful for her family, friends, health and adventures shared. Joans family are deeply grateful for the support and love her caregivers, friends and family provided in her final years. Joan will be missed tremendously for her intelligence, energetic spirit, generosity and compassion. Forever in our hearts. A Memorial Mass for Joan will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto, ON followed immediately by burial of cremated remains at Mount Hope Cemetery, 305 Erskine Ave. Toronto, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's Society Canada in Joan’s name would be appreciated by the family. Condolences www.rosar-morrison.com