Joan White

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother Joan Marie White (nee Shinnick) on January 2, 2023.

It was a bittersweet start to 2023 as we said good-bye.   We draw comfort in knowing that Mom is now at peace as she is re-united with Bernard (2012), her husband of 62 years, and with all our loved ones who have passed before her. She will be dearly missed by her family; daughter Terry Lynne (Bruce), and sons Christopher (Jennifer), Jeffrey (Kathy) and Mark (Crystal Barrington 2022); and grandchildren Lauren, Jaclyn and Kevan Benn; Sienna, Lyric and Pike White; Daniel and Matthew White; and Makena White.  Joan is lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Born in Vancouver on Sept 21,1925 and raised in Toronto, Joan and Bern moved to Ottawa in 1958 to raise their four children. Joan went to the Ottawa Teachers College and spent two years teaching English (Grammar Joan) at St. Elizabeth School in Ottawa. Her passion for education led her to Carleton and Ottawa University where she completed courses that led to a career as an Educational and Career Counsellor at Algonquin College.  Her Algonquin College colleagues were her second family.  Joan loved her work.

Joan believed it was important for everyone to be an active participant in their community.  And for her that meant volunteering and involvement in a variety of faith based and secular organizations that served others including the Social Planning Council, Catholic Family Services and participation in church activities. Mom was happiest when helping others.

Retirement in 1990 allowed Joan to winter in Florida, and to pursue other passions – painting, writing, educational studies and travelling the world.  Joan carried herself with a style and elegance that was uniquely her.

From day to day,

Though we must part,

I’ll always hold you in my heart.

Joan White, 2021

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday January 19th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road Nepean K2H 8H7.  Catholic Mass and Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 20 at 10:30am at St Basil’s Church 940 Rex Ave Ottawa, K2A 2P7, with burial to follow at Hope Cemetery 4660 Bank St. Gloucester, K1T 3W7.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Palliative Care Team at Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital  and the Bruyere Transitional Care Team at Greystone Village for their genuine care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital would be appreciated.