Joanne Leslie BARNES

JOANNE LESLIE 'JOAN' BARNES Our cherished wife and mother left this world on January 3, 2023 surrounded by loving family. Survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Fred; loving children, Laura (Patrick), Warren, Lynne and Alan; and dear grandchildren, Nolan and Clara. Joan is the 'little' sister to her beloved 'big' sister Eileen Lesnick (Vic); and proud aunt to Larry and Michael Lesnick. Joan will be fondly remembered by so many for her beautiful smile and her happy, kind and optimistic nature. Born into the heart of the depression, the start of Joan's life held many challenges but with the love and support of sister, Eileen, Joan became a nurse in the early '50s. Life truly began when she married and started a family. Creative in a multitude of ways, Joan sewed beautiful outfits for her children as well as for the Barbies in the house. She tended to gorgeous flower beds, created a fascinating array of candles and became a self-taught culinary artist. The written word was extremely important; many was the night mom sat in the upstairs hallway reading to all four children who were tucked into bed. Eventually Joan's love of literature led her to go back to college in her 40s to become a library technician, a career she continued with until retirement. Joan had a tenacious personality; she was always up for a challenge. An avid skier who tracked hundreds of runs at The Peaks, skiing also took her and Fred to resorts around the world. One of her favourite resorts was Lake Louise where she did an incredible job taking on difficult slopes just to be and ski with the family. From your four children: Mom, you were the best mother we could ever have asked for. You gave us so much love and comfort. You were the greatest mom for kids to come home from school to and offered a warm and welcoming place to all our friends as well. Throughout our lives you taught us to be accepting of all, you supported us in whatever we wanted to achieve, you sang to us and made us laugh. We love you and will miss you greatly. Our family meant the world to Joan and she meant the world to our family. Thank you to the entire staff at Meaford General Hospital. The doctors who cared for Joan were outstanding. A special thanks to Dr. Sauriol who guided through the last days. We can't say enough about the kindness, caring and compassion shown by all the nurses. A special thanks to Tia who truly gave us her heart at the end. A celebration of Joan's life will take place at a later date. As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Chiro College or the Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca