Johanna Stephen’s long and loving life ended on February 27, 2024, at Sunnybrook Hospital. She passed onto her next adventure peacefully, surrounded by love. Her “wee sister” Betty Woodhead passed at Scarborough General, the same day, minutes apart. The Laird sisters, who were best friends, and shared so many things during their long lives didn’t want to be separated by death.

Born in Greenock, Scotland on November 8, 1923, to George and Margaret Laird, Johanna (called Joan or Joey) was their third child. She was predeceased by her favourite older sister Peggy (Margaret) and her brother George.

Joan would often recollect her early years in Scotland and the wonderful family holidays they had at Port Bannatyne. When the Second World War broke out, their lives changed forever. The family lost their home to the Greenock blitz and they lived with a very kind woman who opened her home to them. Despite the hardship of the war years, many wonderful memories were made and Joan met the love of her life, Wrexford Stephen, during these turbulent times. He was a Canadian sailor from the village of Port Carling. They were married on September 17, 1945. The following March, Joan sailed from Southampton to Halifax aboard a ship of war brides.

The couple started their life together in Canada in Port Carling, but soon moved to Toronto so Wrex could take training as a journeyman carpenter. Joan was employed at Ontario Hydro. She was joined in Canada shortly thereafter by Betty who also worked at Ontario Hydro.

In 1949, the couple bought a piece of property, outside of the then city limits in Willowdale. They built a modest bungalow on a corner lot. In that little home, they raised a family, made a lifetime of memories and as was her wish, Joan lived there until the end of her life.

A yearly family ritual was the fishing weekend, which was always celebrated on Mother’s Day weekend. Joan and Wrex and family and Betty and Larry and daughter Barbara would rent a cottage on the Otonabee River and fish for pickerel. A cottage getaway with family on Thanksgiving was also a must. This tradition continued until well after Wrex and Larry’s passing.
Not only were Joan and Betty sisters, they and their spouses, were friends and travel companions. They shared many amazing vacations together.

An avid walker for most of her life, Joan enjoyed reading, crosswords and games of solitaire. She built lasting friendships with the people in her bowling, bridge and quilting groups, as well as those in her church, her neighbours and more recently her wonderful caregivers.

Left to keep her stories alive and celebrate her life are son Gary (Cathy), daughter Susan (Don), grandchildren Andrew, Heather (Michael), Alexander, Aaron, Meghan (MacKenzie), great-grandchildren Callum, Bridgette; Victor, step great grandchildren, Drew, Dylan and Danika and niece Barbara (Gary).

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at Lansing United Church, 49 Bogert Ave., North York, ON M2N 1K4. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lansing United Church, where Joan attended for over 60 years.