Brian (Brother)

Entered January 17, 2021 from Mumbai

May her soul rest in peace

Brenda (Sister)

Entered January 17, 2021 from Mumbai

May her soul rest in peace

Noel Moreyra (Brother)

Entered January 17, 2021 from Dubai,UAE

My earliest memories of Joan, was when she returned from boarding school for the holidays. The rest of us, were in the age group of 4 to 8 years. We would wait expectantly in the front yard of the house for her to arrive. It was a day of happiness when our big sister came home
Today is another sad day in my life, I lost my mother in 84 and now my big sister Joan ( Toto) .Our family will miss her so much, as will the rest of her relatives and numerous friends. But the great memories she left us with will endure till the end of our lives. Our family could go on and on about how she lifted us up, when we were down. She was always willing to help, even though the person desiring help was an acquaintance. Each and every one of us grieves the loss of Joan today, but as time passes, it will fade but will never be forgotten. Our family are all so lucky to have had a sister like Joan and our lives are richer and fuller because of her. The linchpin of our family has gone away from us, and we mourn her loss.
Each and every one of us grieves Joan’s absence from our lives. She has left a void, that can never be filled. Joan has enriched the lives of our family and made us the better people. I am going to miss our weekly chats, especially on the topic of food, but they will not be forgotten
Rest in Peace, my big sister Joan

Eustace Fernandez (Joan's Cousin)

Entered January 17, 2021 from Mississauga, Canada

It is difficult to say goodbye to a vibrant person like Joan Rex (lovingly known to everyone in the family as Toto). We (Eustace, Nirmala & Rebecca) will always remember Toto for her kindness and generosity, especially when we first came to Canada. Another one of Toto's great qualities that lives on, in our memory was her ability to talk about anything - she had a vast wealth of knowledge. We will not only miss her stories, but the way in which she related them which always brought joy and laughter. It is truly heartbreaking to note that Joan was taken away from us so suddenly. Thank you, Toto, for all the help and knowledge you had given us over the years. We have some wonderful memories of you that we will always cherish. Rest in Peace dear Toto.

Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with John during this difficult time. We have made a donation to "Cats Anonymous" in memory of Joan.

Natalija Necajev (Friend)

Entered January 18, 2021 from Mississauga

Rest In Peace our sweet Joan, we will always love you. You were very inspiring, charismatic and magnet for all, everyone loved your company. Very sorry tha we didn’t get to have our long planned bbq this summer.
I will miss you Joan. You will always be in my heart.
Natalija

Joan's Spirituality

Joan was born and raised Roman Catholic. She tells stories of how she was very proficient as a youngster in her scriptures and she studied her religion thoroughly. She also tells stories of her grandmother taking her to church for Mass, making Joan sit in the pew in front of her and always to the side so the boys couldn’t make eyes. The best part, ……….. wait for it ………….. at the end of the Mass, as Joan was about to get up, her Grandmother would tap her on the head with the family Bible. Apparently nothing wrong with listening to two Masses.

Joan in adulthood, like many, personalized her relationship with her Lord through private prayer and reflection. As her illnesses progressed in the final years, and really made attending church difficult, she took a lot of comfort in her personal relationship with her Lord.

She loved attending Aunty Zita’s prayer sessions in the basement of Aunty’s house. She took great joy listening to the Malayalam songs sung by Thangam and Lucy. (Please see the music section under the Media tab). But she could not help talking to Vincent (R.I.P.) during the services. Sorry Aunty, we all tried shushing them but it was to no avail. Maybe the good Lord will be more capable than the rest of us.

Joan was always willing to talk Religion. She was raised Roman Catholic but was always respectful and curious of other Religions. While living in Etobicoke, she always invited in some youthful church goers of other Religions and listen to their Bible readings. She would say, “I am Roman Catholic and will not change but I will be happy to listen, now would you like a cup of coffee?” Her friends were Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Buddhist, Sikh, whatever it didn’t matter as long as they were not authoritarian.

Joan’s religion was Internal. It really was not for show. She regularly would say her prayers before sleeping. In her later life her prayer times became times to give Thanks to her Lord for the many blessings in her life. Her God is merciful and loving and has enwrapped her in his arms.

One of Joan’s favourite song is “If it be your Will”. Written by Leonard Cohen and performed by The Webb Sisters. It always brought her to intense silence and I invite you to watch the video in the Media Section.

Joan was blessed and her blessings are on all of us that knew her.