3 May, 1916 – 24 October, 2023
Blessed Be “The Lady in Red”
Joan was the Ledingham family Matriarch. She passed away quietly in her sleep on the evening of October 24, 2023. Joan enjoyed our family gatherings and was happy in our midst.
She is survived by her son David (Sherrill) and daughter Sarah “Sue” Hutcheson (Dan Brown). She has 6 grandchildren: Diane Freeman (Peter Hicks), Elaine Ledingham (JD Bradshaw), Melissa Ledingham, Colin Brown (predeceased), Ted Hutcheson (Lori) and Tom Hutcheson (Karen). Joan has 7 great-grandchildren Scott Hicks (Alessandra), Adam Hicks, Cooper and Molly Hutcheson, Logan and Paige McNally and Reagan Hutcheson. Joan is also survived by cousins in England as well as her niece Susan Smith (Frank) in Australia.
Joan is predeceased by her husband George (1987), her parents Abigail and Knowles Donnelly and her twin brother Norman Donnelly who all resided in England.
Joan came to Canada as a war bride after serving her country during WW II. She was a Captain in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) and served as a truck driver delivering military trucks to the troops. She, George and the family resided in Renfrew, Temiskaming PQ and eventually settled in Galt, ON following George’s work at South Waterloo Memorial Hospital which is now Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
She began working at the Galt Public Library in 1962 and enjoyed her work and the many social times with “The Library Girls” until her retirement and thereafter. She was also involved in her Church, St. Thomas the Apostle, as a member of The Guild. Joan joined the Galt Camera Club and loved photography. She became very accomplished and has 3 photographs in the National Art Gallery in Ottawa. Joan was also a member of the Garden Club for many years and had lovely gardens around her home. As an avid traveler, she saw many areas of the USA and Canada, Mexico and Asia with family and Portugal and Spain with her friend Pam.
Special thanks to the entire nursing staff on 3rd Floor Retirement at Riverbend Place. They loved Mom deeply and are saddened by her passing. She was “their favourite” they told me. They will miss “dancing” in the halls with her. She could not have been cared for any better!! All other staff involved with Mom such as the Office staff, Recreation staff, kitchen staff and the cleaning staff were all so helpful and respectful and enjoyed Mom’s company. Great respect has been shown to her throughout her time on the Retirement floor.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 110 Francis Street, Cambridge, ON November 30, 2023 at 11:00 am with a light lunch to follow, along with the fellowship of friends and family as well as memories of Joan.
Fond memories and donations to Cambridge Memorial Hospital may be shared through the funeral home at www.couttsfuneralhome.com.