We have great memories of our Auntie Joan from being very young.

She lived in Toronto - which to us, growing up in the 1970’s, felt very exotic and exciting compared with other people’s aunts!!! Dad always spoke very fondly of Joan, and we saw her fairly regularly considering the physical distance between us. She became a Canadian citizen in 1968.

We remember her passion for culture - she loved art and opera and was a keen historian. In fact, when she did make her visits to see us, we recall that she was often going on to various countries in Europe – usually to fit in an opera show or two! She was a very keen traveler.

If we went to a museum with Joan, she would read every bit of information and she knew so much that we were in awe! It was appropriate that she worked for the Encyclopedia Britannica in Canada from 1966 until she retired on July 1, 1993.

Like our Dad and their brother Eddie, she had a huge love of cats. Our Nanna and Grandpa always had cats and Joan continued to love them.

The last time we saw Joan was at our Dad’s 80th birthday party celebration in Stratford upon Avon, and she was on great form. Sadly, as her and Dad both got older and more frail, they weren’t able to physically meet any more - but we are grateful that they both had a full and rich life.

Joan was well-cared for at the Meighen Retirement Home in Toronto during her later years until she passed away on March 21, 2023.

Jenny and Jon Harris – Manchester and Birmingham, UK