Joan McIntosh

1929 - 2022

On February 7, 2022 Joan McIntosh (nee Grey) passed away peacefully in the arms of her daughter, Cathe McIntosh and granddaughters, Ashleigh Hoszowski and Amber Hoszowski in Southampton, Ontario. Mom was born on February 2, 1929 in Swan River, Manitoba. She grew up in Mafeking and moved to Flin Flon where she worked at the Singer Sewing Machine Company. She taught sewing in many small communities at a time when sewing machines were considered ‘new' technology. Mom moved to Atikokan with her late husband, Cliff McIntosh in 1952, where they lived until she moved to Southampton to be nearer to her family in 2021. Story has it that Dad and another fellow flipped a silver dollar to see who would get to walk Mom home! (he won). Mom wore the silver dollar for years after his passing. With her husband, Mom helped establish Quetico Centre until Dad passed on November 1, 1998. Mom was not only the payroll administrator, but she was extremely proud that she learned how to operate the sewage treatment plant single-handedly, and was the only person onsite during a major fire flap in the 1980s. Mom worked hard, was smart as a whip and strove for perfection. She would “not hold back” when she had a thought on her mind. For many years, Mom ran “Dancer-size' exercise classes in Atikokan and trained instructors in northern communities. During these classes Mom forged strong and lasting friendships and showed us how graceful and elegant she was. After Dad's passing, Mom moved to Atikokan and became involved in the community, serving as Chair of the Atikokan General Hospital and Foundation, and Finance Chair for many years, as well as the Rainy River District's Women's Shelter of Hope, the Northwest Community Legal Clinic, the Atikokan Horticultural Society, Pictograph Gallery, Meals on Wheels, Atikokan Non-Profit Housing Corporation and was the Provincial appointee for the Rainy River District Home for the Aged. She believed in Atikokan as demonstrated by more than 20 years as a Centennial Museum volunteer. In 2021 the Town of Atikokan awarded Mom the Citizen of the Year Award of which she was immensely proud. Mom was a fierce ‘mama bear' who loved her children. She is survived by her daughter Cathe McIntosh, grandchildren Ashleigh Hoszowski-Denty (Shawn) and their children Peyton, Dylan and Phoenix, Amber Hoszowski and Derek Hoszowski. Also survived by her beloved daughter-in-law Karen McIntosh-(Gregor). She was predeceased by her husband Cliff McIntosh, son Greg McIntosh, sisters Reita, Kay, Enid and brother Bud. As we said goodbye to Mom, we knew that soon she would be dancing with her husband, likely to the song, “Fly Me To The Moon” while her beloved son, Greg, would be close by playing the guitar and grinning. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atikokan General Hospital. A service will be held at a future date in Atikokan to bring Mom home to be with her husband.