Born on January 31, 1933, in Truro, Nova Scotia, Joan was the beloved daughter of Roy and Nellie Ellis. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, their daughter, Patty (Scott Koblyk), and her brother, Kenneth Clare Ellis (Ruth).
Joan had a great love of life and all it offered and lived it without much thought to her age. A pet peeve of hers was an old person who “acted old”. After having read a slightly bawdy novel written by the mother of one of her kid’s friends she remarked, “Well, you know Gladys wasn’t always 80!”.
She had a passion for antiques and enjoyed reading and writing, keeping a journal of her days until the very end. Joan loved to dance, despite marrying someone who didn't share her enthusiasm for it. Joan had a deep appreciation for the culture and history of England, Scotland, and Ireland. She had a lifelong passion for the monarchy. While she had many mementos of “things royal”, including a genuine signature of Queen Victoria, her last royalist acquisition was a King Charles III bobble-head.
In the early part of her life Joan and her family moved frequently. From Nova Scotia to New Brunswick to Quebec’s Eastern Townships she moved, by her count, no less than 16 times before settling in a small, yellow century-cottage on a quiet street in old Dundas. She moved to Dundas following the passing of her husband, Bill, and so for the last 9 years has lived a staunchly independent life, one far different from that of the life of the 18-year-old bride she once was. She drove herself most places with ease, looked after her own affairs; she enjoyed and embraced all that technology offered her from online activities, video meet-ups and social media; her iPad or SmartPhone were never far from hand. She enjoyed the photos, gossip, humour and silliness of social media. Her last FaceBook entry was made the day before she moved on.
Joan’s life was all about family. She was the poster mother for the loving and thoughtful individual, never forgetting the birthdays or anniversaries of her family and friends and always ready to offer help to those in need. Any visit with her would begin and end with the latest news of her family and extended family. In a letter to her children included in her last wishes she wrote, “You were my life and I thanked God for your being and thank you for making my life worthwhile. I will always be with you”.
Joan Grey was one of a kind. She loved and was loved. She did her best. She was the best.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Jane (Rob Clark), her sons Robert (Diane) and Michael, as well as her sisters, Mary Lou (Lorne) and Suzanne (Brian). She also leaves behind her seven grandchildren, Katie (Mike), Jon (Hailey), Andrew, Lizzie (Thomas), Kristen (Jeff), Kathryn (Mike), Lexie and four great-grandchildren, Hannah, Aubree, Logan, and Eamon, who will cherish her memory.
A Celebration of Joan’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, October 12th, 2023. Family and friends are invited to gather at The Coach House on the grounds of Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd., Hamilton. A light lunch will be served.
In lieu of flowers, those interested may consider making a memorial donation to the charity of their choice. Joan's legacy of love and family will continue to inspire all who knew her.
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