Obituary of Joan Mills (nee Thornton)

Joan passed peacefully in Ottawa at Peter D Clark Long Term Care Centre on February 8th, 2022 at the age of 80 surrounded by her family.  Joan was born in Thornley, Durham, England on January 15th, 1942.

 

Predeceased by her son Graeme, her parents George and Hilda Thornton and sister-in-law Eileen. 

 

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Alistair.  Sister to Edward Thornton.  Loving mother to Iain (Tracey) and Alison (Tim). Grandma to Brayden, Tyler, and Jordyn Mills; Kaya, Owen and Logan Weatherell.

 

Alistair and Joan were married on September 7th, 1963.

 

They immigrated to Canada on June 4th, 1967 to Nanaimo, B.C..

 

They moved to Lanigan, Saskatchewan on September 9th, 1968 and resided there until August 2011 when they moved to Kanata, Ontario.

 

Joan was involved in the Lanigan Knox United Church and started the local food bank.

 

Joan spent almost 30 years researching her family tree. She transcribed articles out of local newspapers, 1840 to 1890, for two books that were published recording the history of the village where she was born. 

 

Joan enjoyed her many visits back to England to visit family.  Her favourite trip was 2 weeks in Madeira with friends. Joan enjoyed her garden, sewing, crocheting and knitting as well as spending time with her grandchildren.

 

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Peter D Clark Long Term Care Centre for their loving care and support over the last 10 years.

 

A Private Family Service will be held.

 

In memory, donations can be sent to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.