JOAN LOIS MACLELLAN BOYINGTON

Joan Lois MacLellan Boyington passed away on June 1, 2025, with dignity and grace, under the kind care from the staff and volunteers at Bethell Hospice. Her family was ever-present in her final days. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Stan, and her dear brother, Gene. Joan was born to Philip MacLellan and Catherine Chandler on February 25, 1936, in Charlottetown, PEI. Her first love was reading: she quickly read all of the children's books in her local library and at the age of eight, had to be given special permission to read the adult books. At the University of Toronto, Joan studied to be a teacher. She married her high school sweetheart, Colonel Gordon Stanley Boyington, on August 29, 1956. They had many adventures together, travelling the world and even living for more than two memorable years in Beijing. A proud Canadian, Scot, and monarchist, Joan loved the colour blue and a strong pot of tea. Possessed of charm, determination, and a persistently dry sense of humour, she began each day by reading the obituaries in the Globe and Mail, and if her name was absent, she would go on to do the crossword. She had a special love for CBC radio's Saturday Afternoon at the Opera. Much to her dismay, and despite relentless exposure growing up, her children did not carry this love of opera forward. Despite this deficiency on her children's part, Joan's greatest love was her family, including her daughter, Lauren; sons, Jeff, Ryan, and Curtiss (Judy); and her dear grandchildren, Rachael, Miles, Tristan, Quinn, and Callum, who all adored her. The recent arrival of her great-granddaughter, Amiyah, brought her so much joy. Joan always gathered her family for whatever occasion she could think of, even the most improbable, including not just the usual holidays, but also Hogmanay and the Kleinberg binder twine festival! Good food, laughter, and cheer were at the centre of these gatherings of family and friends. Joan had a strong sense of volunteerism and community. She volunteered in Aurora with the Horticultural society, the Historical society, the Yellow Brick House (a shelter for women and children escaping abusive relationships), Meals on Wheels, and the Cancer Society to name but a few. Joan and Stan eventually settled in Caledon East, where they spent years volunteering for the Caledon Trailway, which ultimately became a part of the Trans Canada Trail. Their property backed on to this treasure. It is fitting that Joan's final departure occurred at Bethell Hospice in Inglewood, Ontario, with the Trans Canada Trail going through this lovely town, just ten minutes away from her home in Caledon East. If anyone would like to honour Joan, please consider donating in her name to Bethell Hospice at bhf.akaraisin.com/ui/bhfdonations/donations/start. A celebration of life for Joan and her husband, Stan, who passed away during Covid, will occur in May 2026. Details to follow. In the meantime, please enjoy a pot of tea, and feel free to listen to CBC radio while you remember this special lady. Her last crossword done, she finally rests in the love and memories of her family and friends. My promise I will keep to you Green pastures and still waters await you Just walk around the corner We will see you there