Joan Diamond Grace Wood

Our Mother Joan was born in India in 1926. Her Father, Samuel Morres had been sent there to work by the British Government. Her mother was Eleanor Hereford, daughter of the Earl of Hereford. The Earl was sent for England to serve as ADC to Governor Lord and Lady Willingdon. Joan attended a prestigious Boarding School for Women where she excelled in her studies. She became a very talented piano player and could have become a classical pianist. She enjoyed her childhood summers spent with her Grandfather in the Indian town of Ootacamundi, or as she affectionately called it, Ooty. There she loved watching movies with him in the assembly rooms.

When Joan turned 16, she joined the British Navy and quickly rose up the ranks to Lieutenant. She loved her time in the Navy where she grew up very quickly. When India gained its Independence in 1947, Joan, her 2 sisters Betty and Helen, Brother Clive and her Mother went to London England. Mom's Father moved to Australia. The family left war ravaged London after 2 years and came to Canada in 1950, making Toronto their new home. There Joan met her husband, David Mackenzie, and they had 2 girls, Wendy and Heather. His Father built the first motel in Ontario and David and Joan ran it till they divorced. She moved to Lorne Park with the 2 girls and met Rennie Wood, whom she married. He had brought his daughter, Carole, creating our blended family. They had another daughter together named Rebecca. In 1960 her husband became ill and the family moved to Wasaga Beach where Mom opened a hair salon and later she and Rennie opened their own Real estate Brokerage in Collingwood.

In the early 70's Joan headed west and settled in Calgary where she remained for 35 years loving the western lifestyle , referring to herself as a true cowgirl. There she met her true love, God, and found peace and fulfillment where she started her own online Ministry. She continued on as a Realtor and ended her many careers as a security guard. at the ripe young age of 90.

6 years ago, Joan decided that she wanted to move back east to be closer to her family and settled back in Toronto. . Missing her Calgary lifestyle, she was soon welcomed into her new family Rosh Pinah where she made many new friends.

Joan loved to travel, sharing God's word. She traveled extensively on missions, returning to her favorite country, Israel, 26 times as well as South Korea and Africa .She attended many conferences throughout the US as well and was accompanied by Wendy on several of them.

She looked forward to her daily walks on the beach every morning with Heather and her dogs along with her cup of Timmies. She also looked forward to her road trips. They often included going back to Collingwood where they would meet up with Wendy to enjoy lunch (icecream ) & conversation where she would share with us many of her life's experiences.

Joan was intelligent , motivated , generous, determined , caring and so many other attributes. With her witty sense of humour, and strong convictions, never backing away from controversy , her will and determination were to be admired. Her sense of adventure and her child-like giggle will be sorely missed.

For those blessed to have known Joan, our lives have all been enriched..

God bless you Joan and may you Rest In Peace. You are very loved. We miss you Mom.

For those wanting to see the service for Joan Wood please follow the link below

https://vimeo.com/807330020