Joanne Marie Duffy-Adamson

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joanne Marie Duffy-Adamson. With an enduring positive spirit and courageous perseverance, she lived gracefully with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis for more than 27 years.

The eldest of four children, Joanne was born in Montreal, Quebec, to parents Ernest and Susan (nee Young) Duffy. After remaining in Montreal for most of her childhood, and then moving to various cities in Ontario and Alberta, she settled in Guelph in 1990, where she was a very successful and well-liked Office Manager at Triumph Tool, her family's business. It was here that she met the love of her life, Robert Adamson. A devoted husband, Rob shared in Joanne's love for music, animals, and travel (Hawaii, St. Lucia, Las Vegas and Poland were some of their favourite excursions) and was always her biggest advocate and champion. Joanne was also an avid reader and had a true appreciation for the arts, visiting art galleries, attending concerts, and making trips to the Stratford Festival and Toronto International Film Festival every year.

For 19 years, Joanne was a much-loved volunteer of the Wellington County MS Society Chapter's Board of Directors. In addition to her volunteer role on the Board, she spent countless hours fundraising for the chapter each year by selling Mother's Day carnations and Christmas cakes and cookies, she helped to organize the chapter's annual Christmas luncheon, and she was a dedicated participant in the annual MS Walk. Known for her supportive nature and sunny outlook, she made many special connections with chapter members and their families over the years. She didn't let her MS define her and was always grateful for everything she had and for what she was able to do. She was, and always will be, an incredible inspiration to everyone who knew her.

In addition to her beloved husband Rob, Joanne leaves behind her daughters Kathryn and Rachelle Adamson; son, Kevin Budd, his wife Stacey, and their children Oliver, Theodore, Clementine and Leopold; her father Ernie, and her siblings John (Tracy), Patrick (Tracy), and Leslie (Gerard), and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death in 2005 by her dear mother, Susan, it gives us much peace knowing Joanne and her loving mom will be together once again.

Thank you to the countless caregivers and PSWs who assisted Joanne over the years, with special thanks to Precious, Emmie, Angela, Zarka, and Roxanna. Thank you also to Dr. Will Ruddock for the compassion he provided, and to Dr. Dave Reeser and his family for the love and concern they've shown.

Those who knew Joanne know she'd rather give than receive. In lieu of funeral services, and to honour Joanne's character, we ask that all who wish to participate donate to the Guelph Human Society or the Guelph Food Bank.

Until we meet again. Xo