Jocelyn Howlett

Jocelyn (Jo) Barclay (nee Howlett) passed away peacefully in her 96th year at the Lakeshore General Hospital in the early hours of December 20th, with her son and daughter by her side. She is survived by her son Robert (Debra), her daughter Jody (Gordon) and her grandchildren Victoria Owen (Jeremy), Caitlin Owen (Owen), Christopher Barclay and Nicholas Barclay. She is also survived by her sisters Lorraine Fournier, Diane Snyder and Ann Daigneault, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband Robert Senior (Bob), her parents Edward and Cecile Howlett and her siblings Peter Howlett and Line Lamarche.

Jo was born in the village of Senneville, Quebec and lived there for most of her life. It was a community that she loved and cherished, and where she established many close, important and enduring friendships. Locally, she became known as source of information about the history of the village, and she was only too happy to share her knowledge with others.

Jo was a committed volunteer. She selflessly and tirelessly served for decades as a steadfast volunteer at the Senneville Veterans’ Lodge, the Ste. Anne’s V.O.N. and the Ste. Anne’s Veterans’ Hospital. She will be remembered at the Veteran’s hospital for her exemplary volunteer efforts, which extended over 30 years.

Jo was active in several sports. She was an avid downhill and cross-country skier. She enjoyed golf and curling and was a member of the Braeside Golf Club and the Ste. Anne’s Curling Club for many years. In her earlier years, she also played tennis and sailed regularly on Lake of Two Mountains.

In 1970, Jo and her husband Bob purchased an abandoned 130-year old stone farm house near Vankleek Hill, Ontario. They took great pride in restoring and saving this local historical landmark from ruin. This was a project they enjoyed for 40 years. The “farm”, as it was known, was a place where family and friends often gathered for celebrations and get togethers. A gracious and generous hostess, Jo loved to plan and hold dinner parties for family and friends. She was regarded as a tremendous cook and her meals were legendary.

Although Jo had many attributes, it is as a remarkable and devoted wife, mother, grand-mother and mother-in-law that she will be best remembered. She loved and cared for her family deeply and was always there for them. Jo’s passing leaves a great void in the lives of her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Quebec Veterans Foundation or the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind Organization.

A celebration of Jo’s life will be held at a later date. May she rest in eternal peace.