Joan Hooper

HOOPER, Joan Ellen "Brighten the corner where you are" Daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, artist, teacher, free spirit and God-seeker, Joanie died peacefully, as was her wish, at St. Mary's of The Lake, Kingston, on January 10, 2007. A Service of Remembrance and a Celebration of her Life will be held at St. Andrew's By the Lake United Church, 1 Redden Street, on Saturday, January 20 at 2 p.m. Joan was loved and will be missed by her husband George Linn, son Silvan, daughter Winona, mother Petty Dodds, younger siblings Liz Barrett, Jamie Hooper and Allison Barrett, her nieces and nephews, in-laws and extended family, dear friends and members of her spiritual community; she was predeceased 10 years ago by her father Richard Phillips (Phil) Hooper. Joan was a seeker of inner peace and a creator of outer beauty, sharing abundant wisdom, kindness, patience, joy and love with her family and friends. She inspired us with her creativity, courage, resilience, strength, faith and optimism throughout her life; never more so than over the last years, months and days. She especially made a huge effort to be there for all of us over the holidays, and we will always treasure the "forever hugs" she gave us for Christmas. She leaves us with memories of love and friendship, wonderful and whimsical works of art, much laughter as well as tears, and a deep and abiding respect for the beauty, sacredness, joyfulness and meaning of life. We would like to thank all the health care professionals and dear friends who cared for Joanie so compassionately over the last few years, and especially the nurses at St. Mary's who were angels of kindness and professionalism to Joan and to all of us over the last month or so. It was Joan's strong belief and ours that at last she has found the greater peace that she was always seeking. We will love you forever, Joanie. "...Turn to and put out all your strength of arm and heart and brain And like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again."