Joan Elizabeth Lee

July 18, 1942 – November 2, 2018
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Lee, Joan Elizabeth- Following a stoic journey with lung and brain cancer, with her family and many friends by her side, Joan Elizabeth Lee, passed at Owen Sound Health Services on Friday November 2, 2018 at age 76. She was born on July 18, 1942 in Wiarton, first child of Mary and Morgan Thompson and first grandchild to Ida and George Thompson, and Frederick Pinder (pre-deceased grandmother Elizabeth Pinder). She will forever be remembered as a loving spouse, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great-grandmother and friend. She is survived by her loving partner Robert Austin and her mom Mary Thompson (Pinder). Beloved mother of Cathy Lee of Pangnirtung, Nunavut and Nancy Lee of Burlington. Step-mom to Mark Austin (Tanya), Craig Austin (Beth), and Ian Austin. Dear grandma to Ciera and Caitlin, grand-puppies, Molly and Max, and step-grandma to Jacob and Mathew. Also survived by her siblings Joyce Smith, Larry Thompson (Pat), Murray Thompson (Deb), and David Thompson (Ann). Fondly remembered by sister-in-law Carol Lee and brother-in-law Wayne Lee, many nieces and nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, and two step great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her father Morgan Thompson, husband Willard Lee, and Willard's parents Margaret & Frank Lee. Affectionately remembered by her sons-in-law Lootie and Sid. ​Joan blessed her family, friends and community in many ways. Of note are her love for helping others, her VON and palliative care work, her support for Elders/Alzheimers’ patients,  and her years of service to various clubs and volunteer organizations.  Raised in the farming community, she raised and cared for many animals; Arabian horses, charolais cattle, Australian shepherds, sheep, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, and a Llama. She was an avid traveller having visited many destinations including South America, parts of Europe, Hawaii and the North, making her final trip to the Arctic, just following her cancer diagnosis. She will be forever remembered for her kindness and care for all, her beautiful smile, her endearing laugh, her devotion to family, her determination and resilience and that wonderful sparkle in her eye. 

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Visitations will be held at the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth, on Tuesday November 6, 2018, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, and 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday November 7, at 11:00 am. Reverend Kristal McGee officiating. Interment at Colpoy's Bay Cemetery, Wiarton. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers of Juravinski Cancer Centre and Hospital, Hamilton and Owen Sound Health Services. Special thanks to her cancer care team in both hospitals.If desired, donations to the Cancer Society, or the Lung Association would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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