"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years". Abraham Lincoln Joan Meredith's long life was full of life. On January 7, 2021, Joan passed away peacefully in the caring hands of staff and close friends at St. Peter's Hospital. Born November 27, 1924, at the Village Farm, Elberton, England, Joan was one of seven children to Gerald and Olive. Growing up on a farm in a loving family prepared Joan for own independent adventures which took her far afield. Joan 's professional career was as varied as her life experiences, beginning before the second World War in Bristol and London, and then emigrating to Canada in 1954 as many English girls did in the 50's, to Toronto and Ottawa. Her keen interest in art, took her to Mexico for an immersive sabbatical for two years, before returning to Canada. Joan's career was rooted in the world of editing, working for Chatelaine magazine and then the federal government in Ottawa, where she soon become bilingual. Retiring in 1989, Joan chose to live in Dundas, Ontario, in the company of several close friends. She embraced the community of Dundas, assisting with Meals On Wheels, generously helping with church activities and charities, hiking with the local club, playing Bridge, attending theatre outings and exploring various culinary events. As a calm, elegant and dignified woman, Joan possessed many lovely qualities. She had an abounding curiosity for news, good literature, art and conversation which informed her world travels and cemented numerous friendships near and far. Joan's humour and hospitality were never in doubt whether the consummate hostess or charismatic guest. Joan was ahead of her time with an innate ability for tolerance and acceptance towards others allowing her to make lasting friendships amongst her peers and youngsters alike. Her frequent trips home to family in England were a constant source of joy for Joan as she enjoyed meeting new members of her growing clan while deepening her connection with her close siblings, as well as nieces and nephews with whom she shared many meaningful experiences over the years from church hall parties to international cruises to family dinners on the farm. Joan was a great believer in the value and integrity of family and friends. Joan's generous spirit was manifested through her devotion to care for ailing family members and in her ability to play readily with her grand nieces and nephews. Joan will be missed by many and remembered by many more as a woman of substance who lived her 96 years full of life. A private interment at St. James Anglican Church in Dundas will take place in the near future.? If you are considering a donation in her memory, please consider directing it to Interval House of Hamilton, www.intervalhousehamilton.org
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