Celia Joan Wotherspoon

September 4, 1939 - January 29, 2021

“A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everybody else.”

– Unknown

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Celia Joan Wotherspoon (nee Piercey).

Predeceased by her first husband Lawrence Fisher and her beloved parents Dr. Doug and Isabel Piercey, Joan is survived by Alan, her husband and soulmate of almost 50 years, their daughters who were her world, Mary-Ann (Bruce), Pam (Ken) and Jenepher (Mark), as well as her much loved grandchildren of whom she was so proud - Madelyn, Aidan, Jakob, Caitlin and Matthew (Asia). Joan will be missed by her many friends and extended family, especially her beloved brother Douglas (Nancy) and her niece Cindy (Tim) and their children.

Joan was a registered nurse and later became certified as an ultrasound technologist. She graduated from the Montreal General Hospital in 1960 and remained the closest of friends with many of her nursing classmates throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of the OB-GYN team at the Ottawa Hospital Parkdale Clinic and took immense pride in caring for her patients. Her natural instinct to help and nurture was profound and not limited to her work. Whether it was rescuing stray animals, providing support and compassion at the local hospice or volunteering in the library of the neighbourhood elementary school, she always gave of herself to ensure that others were safe and cared for.

Joan had an exceptionally strong work ethic but she always reminded us that having fun is equally important. She was an avid reader and a quilter; she taught us how to sew and took up painting in her retirement. She was a lover of music and dancing and was the life of every party. She loved being active and took up skiing, golf and curling, as much for the social as the sport. She was passionate, loyal, and believed fully in leading with her heart and her smile. She was always our most enthusiastic cheerleader and a fierce protector when needed. She taught us all that there is strength in vulnerability, that love is joyful and empowering, and that happiness grows and spreads when it is nurtured.

As a breast cancer survivor at the age of 34, Joan always reminded us to never take the time that we have with each other for granted. She and our dad shared a beautiful love story and she made sure we were a part of it right from their beginning. They travelled extensively together and with friends and enjoyed many special trips across Canada, to Bermuda, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Once they moved to Peterborough in 2001, she cherished the frequent visits to and from Ottawa to spend time with her grandchildren. Mom made everything fun and had an uncanny ability to make people feel instantly welcomed and unconditionally accepted. She always had time for the people in her life - to listen, to laugh, and to love.

The cottage at Stony Lake was the family gathering place for many years. Mom loved puttering in her beautiful gardens and filling her feeders with the birds’ favourite seeds. Her time with Dad, her girls, her sons-in-law, and her grandchildren was precious: Swimming and playing at “Granny’s Beach”, having breakfast in the cabin with “just the grandchildren”, enjoying a glass or two… of white wine (or maybe a gin and tonic) on the screened-in porch, and savouring the laughter and easy conversation at many evening meals while overlooking the lake. These and many other memories will forever hold their place in our hearts.

Mom always wanted to make sure that all of us would be okay. We know that her only request of us is that we take care of each other, in the spirit of how she always took care of us. Thankfully, we have had the best example to follow. We miss you already, Mom, and we’ll always hold you close and treasure all that you have taught us.

Sincere thanks to the staff on Westview 5 at Fairhaven for their ongoing care and kindness to our mom. There will be a private celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local hospice, the Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.