JOAN MARY BOOTH

(née Hutchison) February 6, 1944 – August 1, 2025 Joan passed away peacefully on August 1st, surrounded by her family. Born in Toronto, Joan was the second daughter of Alexander McCall Hutchison and Mary Eleanor (Bull) Hutchison. She attended Havergal College, Compton School in the Eastern Townships, and McGill University, where she wrote for the McGill Daily and hosted memorable elevator dinner parties. Joan's story is one of love, family and deep connections. She married George Booth in 1967, and soon after welcomed daughters Jennifer and Alison. A devoted mother, Joan poured herself into raising her girls, turning their home on Inglewood Drive into a lively hub for their friends. Each child who walked through the door was greeted with a personal nickname to complement her beloved Pixie (Jennifer) and Puffin (Alison). Joan's infamous yellow kitchen (with its blue shag rug and weekly menus posted on the fridge) became a safe, welcoming space for all of the girls' friends. Everyone knew the alarm code - 53 24s - used it and felt at home. Winters were spent at Caledon Ski Club, where Joan held court at the same main floor corner table every weekend for 15 years. Not a big skier herself, she was a passionate supporter, volunteering with the racing program and fundraising events-always in her signature Acid Rain sweatshirt. In the mid-70s, George introduced Joan to Muskoka, and it became her sanctuary. She first rented, then built a cottage on Cameron Island, on Lake Joseph, where she swam daily (often well into October), hosted unforgettable dinner parties (dancing, costumes and Rod Stewart), played dockside cards, and masterminded legendary practical jokes. The cottage, like her city home, was a place where everyone felt welcome. Joan's passion for the environment led her to join the Canadian Coalition on Acid Rain founded in 1981 by Adèle Hurley and Michael Perley, an important environmental group that set up advocacy campaigns in the North-Eastern USA and Eastern Canada. Joan became a fundraising powerhouse, she hosted key dinners with figures like Canadian Ambassador Allan Gotlieb, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Senator David Durenberger, all contributing to the success of the creation of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. She later turned her full attention to the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA), an advocacy group focused on protecting and promoting the interests of the environment and residents in Muskoka, the region she loved. She worked tirelessly on their behalf and was President from 1992 to 1995. In 2000, she was bestowed with the lifetime position as Honorary President, a role she cherished. Joan embraced painting, bridge, and golf with enthusiasm, attending art classes in Caledon and San Miguel, and collecting bridge winnings in her signature lunch bag. She also trained as a mediator, where her empathy and sharp mind shone. Becoming "Grandarling" to Lyla, Max, and Harry was her greatest joy. They were her everything. She was present at their births (ignoring nurses' orders) and they were in her heart everyday that followed. She fed them a steady stream of butter noodles, cookies, and ice cream, and filled their world with art-making and creativity. Every painting, every scribble were all proudly on display. Joan spent her final year in Muskoka, surrounded by the nature she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love, humour, art, and connection. She was truly one-of-a-kind. Joan is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Joey Boucher) and Alison (Jeff Campbell), grandchildren Lyla, Max, and Harry, sisters Ann Hutchison Carley and Sandra Lawrence, and former husband George Booth. She is predeceased by Dr. Tom Ryley and Mr. Don Mann. A special thanks to her PSWs, Nancy Monk and Dee Denyar. A private celebration of Joan's life will be held in the fall. Donations in Joan's memory may be made to The Muskoka Lakes Association, 118 Medora Street, Box 298 Port Carling, ON, P0B or can be directed to the online donations page: https://mla.on.ca/Donations