Joanne was born in Montreal, Quebec to John & Isabel Callaghan. They lived in a house in Rosemount, Quebec where Joanne grew up. She met her best friend, Roslyn in elementary school & they began a lifelong friendship.

She married Gordon Hughes in 1970 in Pointe Claire & they started their life together in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. In 1976 they became parents to Cheryl. In 1980 they moved to Mississauga to be closer to Joanne's parents & Gordon's parents & Gordon's 2 sisters. After 36 years in their home they moved to Credit River Retirement Residence in Mississauga in 2016. They also owned a trailer in Sauble Beach for 24 years.

Joanne earned her Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education in Quebec. While teaching full-time, she earned her Masters Of Education in Ontario. She was a well-loved & respected teacher at many schools & when she retired & started supply teaching she was in high demand & it was like she never retired. She loved her job & made a positive impact on many students' lives.

She loved to read & collect books, watch movies, travel, cook, bake, walk, hike, host dinners & parties, eat out at restaurants, play games & most of all spend time with family and friends. She was involved in many activities over the years (e.g., church activities, CFUW, RTO, RWTO, aqua fit).

She will be remembered fondly by many, especially for her sense of humour & the twinkle in her eye.
She was a wife to Gordon, a mother to Cheryl (David), a best friend to Roslyn (Jeff), & a sister-in-law to Anne (Bill) & Phyllis (Rob). She was an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a godmother & a “fairy godmother” to her godson. She will be missed dearly but we know she is now happily reunited with many of her loved ones in heaven.