We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Joanne Hawthorne on June 10, 2024 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. At 78 years old, Joanne passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and listening to The Beatles. Devoted wife of 58 years to her husband, William. Cherished mother of Laura (Rob) Piccione, Kathryn, and David. She will be dearly missed by her grandson Xavier, her eldest sister, Leanne (Ian) Phillips and her nephew Michael (Karlene) Gabriel, grandnieces Jasmine and Maya, nephew Ryan Phillips, brother in-law Ted (Gayle) Hawthorne, niece Michelle (Sean), nephews Troy (Catherine) and Chris, and extended Smith, Hawthorne & Payant families. Predeceased by her eldest son, Ted and her sister Dianne Smith.

Mum was our family matriarch, a Saint of a spouse, a beloved mother, sister, and auntie, the Grandmother of the Century, Conan the Librarian, a Mad Gardener, Master Baker of Wickedly Rare Treats, Chorister, Social Butterfly, Tea Granny, and the best friend and confidante of everyone who knew her.

Mum raised a family of four with gusto, and then went on to work for the Scarborough & Toronto Public Library for 28 years, where she met many lifelong friends. At the age of 44, she went to the University of Western Ontario and in 1990 earned her Masters degree in Library Sciences. She retired in 2009 and was busier than ever and enjoyed her life to the fullest. Her days were filled with lunches with friends, singing in multiple choirs, gardening, baking, aquafit, sitting on the deck enjoying sunshine and nature while reading, backyard barbecues and tea parties with family and friends and so much more. In 2015 along came her grandson Xavier and he was the apple of her eye and gave her so much love and happiness!

She battled life’s ups and downs with amazing intrepidness and was always able to see the joy in life. Her laugh, sense of humour, and positive outlook were always present until the very end. Rest Peacefully dear Mum!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday June 23rd from 1-4 pm at Thornton Funeral Centre at 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, Ontario. Tributes will begin at 1 pm followed by a Tea Party Reception. Mum would love it if you would wear your favourite colour.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or Lupus Ontario.