Joan Marie Verleyen

Verleyen, Joan Marie (nee Zimmer) passed away gently and peacefully knowing the love of her family, and after a well-lived life; at her residence Kensington Village Long Term Care Home, London, Ontario, on August 15, 2025, in her 89th year.

Predeceased by the love of her life, her husband of 57 years, Rene Maurice Verleyen. Joan is survived by her siblings and their families: Patricia Sammer, Elizabeth Heidl, and Fred (Bonnie) Zimmer. They loved their Friday evening coffee dates which were held for many years. Joan cherished their lifelong friendship, love and support.

Joan is survived by her four loving children and their families: Mark Robert Verleyen the eldest son. Grandchildren Jensen (Jeff, Ada, Cary), Adrienne (Josh), Eve (Sean), Myles. Paul Rene Verleyen (Caroline), Claire (Josh, Teddy, Owen), Robert (Jerica), Alexandra (Olivia). Daniel Frederick Verleyen (Nichola, Kyle (Chelsea), Traci, Piersen), Leslie Spiro (Arthur, Danny). Joan was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. She is also fondly remembered by Cindi Verleyen and Lesley Kettle.

Joan was one of the first Educational Assistants trained in Ontario. She loved her work as a Special Education Assistant at Tecumseh Public School for 23 years. Joan loved to travel, to cruise, and to take trips to Europe with her husband Rene. Rene Verleyen was a well-known Canadian artist, and Joan was an integral partner in the many art shows where Rene showed his work. Joan and Rene loved meeting new people and celebrating his art. Rene Verleyen has 4000 paintings in world-wide circulation.

Special thanks to the wonderful caring staff at Kensington Village Long Term Care Home - nurse Doris and the staff loved and cared for Joan and were exceptional in every way. Special thanks to Dr Whynot for his medical care and his guidance and support when Joan required palliative care.

As per Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. She will be interred with her husband Rene at St Peter’s Mausoleum in London, Ontario. Joan wished that each family member would celebrate her life in their own way.

Memorial donations are welcome to “Kensington Village LTC - note “Recreation”. These will go towards additional entertainment, program support, and most dear to Joan’s heart - support of individual residents otherwise unable to afford outings. Thank you.

Fond memories can be left at www.needhamfuneralhome.com