In memory of

Joan Carol Saunders

January 28, 1946 -  September 26, 2020

Joan Carol Saunders passed away on Sept. 26, 2020 at Baycrest Hospital in Toronto, after a long and difficult struggle with terminal lung disease. She had been receiving hospice care at the end of her life. Her exuberance, determination and faith in God were reflected in a fierce commitment to remaining active until her last few years. She was truly beautiful. Joan's lineage includes an adoptive and birth family, a legacy which deeply influenced her passions, love for others, and her path in life.

She was born Pamela Joan to Ethel Rose Eileen Smith (nee Ellum) and Efimie Vasilievitch Bogomas, and grew up in post war Britain as the adoptive daughter of Hedley and Sarah Violet Saunders. After many years of searching, Joan discovered and was able to meet her birth families. She was a sister to Nigel, Michael and Nina on her birth father's side, and Jenny and Valerie on her birth mother's side. Joan was beloved by her son, Justin, whom she raised alone. She was close to her adoptive cousin Janet and Janet's husband Pete, and is also deeply missed by her friends.

As a young woman, Joan worked in broadcast journalism in England, and upon emigrating to Canada. She retrained after becoming a single mother, and went on to a career in the medical field, eventually working in a number of hospitals in Toronto. She loved being with and helping other people, a desire which grew out of her own story of family separation and reconnection. Joan became a very spiritual woman over the course of her life, and participated in many faith communities during her adult years. She was an avid gardener, like her adoptive father and one of her birth mother's sisters. Joan was a great lover of music and dance; she was herself a dancer from a very young age, an artistic gift which she inherited from her birth father's family and a passion that remained with her throughout her life. Her open heart touched all those she encountered.

DONATION: A donation is preferred in lieu of flowers. Joan was an active supporter of the Scott Mission ministry to the homeless and to West Park Healthcare Centre, a specialized respiratory rehabilitation centre, where she greatly benefited from being a patient over the years.

Guestbook 

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Dr. Ted Marras (Friend)

Entered October 1, 2020 from Toronto

We have all lost a delightful presence in our lives. Joan, you will be sorely missed and forever remembered.

Lauralee Burney (friend)

Entered October 3, 2020 from Kitchener

It was a blessing to have known Joan, be welcomed into her home, and to share life and dance for a number of years. Her memory will live in our hearts as we give thanks for her life and look forward to meeting again in a future great Feast of Tabernacles.

Trudy Mussard (Close friend)

Entered October 4, 2020 from Toronto

I am truly honoured to have known Joan, both as a dance teacher and as a friend.
She freely gave of her love and time, and poured herself into the lives of those she cared about. Always ready to listen and give advice. Always ready with a smile and a word of encouragement.
Joan loved G-d with all her heart, letting her light shine here, and now in heaven. She will hear the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant!”
Joan is out of pain now and in a better place, but I will truly miss her!
Rest In Peace my dear friend...

Sandra and Claudio (Neighbour)

Entered October 4, 2020

Joan was a very special person. I’ll always remember and cherish our talks, her advice on family and her gardening tips. These last few years have been difficult with her health. Joan didn’t complain, always had a smile. Our condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Joan.

Dr. John Bohnen (Hospital colleague)

Entered October 5, 2020

What a loss. As part of a health care team, Joan offered endless help and comfort to patients who were always grateful. She met their needs with skill and compassion.

Photos 

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