Joan Mary Hill

August 16, 1921 – May 14, 2011

Passed away peacefully in her home after a brief period of ill health. Joan was a well-known and loved figure in the Durham area who will be missed by her many friends and acquaintances. Born in Grays, Essex, England, Joan attended Palmer’s School for Girls prior to WWII. During the war, she worked as an interpreter for the British War Office, and when peace came she resumed her chosen career path as a schoolteacher. A hair-raising episode occurred in 1950, when Joan was captured as a suspected British spy and held for 10 days in a Russian prison, after attempting to cross from the West to the East Zone of Germany. Upon her release, this incident was instrumental in her decision to immigrate to Canada with her young son, David Brennan and her future husband, Alfred Hill. During her sixty years in Canada, Joan introduced generations of students to the love of learning and reading in her career as a teacher-librarian, most recently at M.J. Hobbs School in Hampton, Ontario. She was very active in the Oshawa Little Theatre, most especially with her productions of Annie and Oliver, again working with young people. At a time when others would be taking it easy, Joan embarked on a second career as a tour director, designing and leading memorable tours for Goliger’s Travel to Europe and her beloved England right up until last year. She was also involved in the issue of Elder Abuse, putting on performances throughout Ontario and England highlighting this serious issue. For her work on Elder Abuse with her friend Roxy Barnes, Joan was honoured by the Ontario Government and given the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award by Lieutenant-Governor Hilary Weston. Joan’s life was proof that age is only a state of mind. She never lost her humour and her zest for new experiences, and will be remembered lovingly by her son and daughter-in law, Dave and Pat Brennan, her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Hill and Wayne Hryhoriw, her daughter and son-in-law, Renata Hill and Mike Wilson. Special thanks to her dear friends Zelda Armstrong and Linda Reid, and very grateful thanks to her beloved neighbour Michelle, who was with Joan to the end. Many thanks also to the St. Elizabeth nurses and the community care workers who made it possible for Joan to spend her last months at home as she had always wished. Think of her and celebrate her life. As per Joan’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Arrangements entrusted to OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234). Donations to the Durham Region Humane Society would be appreciated.