Joane Kathryn (Houghton) Robinson

Survived by her husband of 56 years, David Robinson, her son Jim and daughter-in-law Ellyn (Winters), daughter Helen, and beloved grandchildren Graeme and Cameron Anne Robinson.

Born in Collingwood, Ontario in 1934, Joane embraced life with feisty determination and humour and the heart and drive of a true athlete.

In her early years, Joane was an accomplished figure skater. Competing as an amateur from 1951-1959 she skated alongside ice dance partner Don McPherson. She also competed in women’s singles, free skating and ice dance.

After retiring from the competitive world, she taught skating for more than 20 years in Collingwood, Fergus, Stratford, Ingersoll, Tavistock and London, and with Dave in tow, transferred her passion for ice skating over to the Kitchener Rangers, where, as one of the team’s biggest fans, she regularly attended games, maintained the team’s scrapbook book and celebrated each goal with the ringing of her cowbell.

Joane was a meticulous homemaker and dedicated mother. She was also a talented seamstress and could out-knit pretty much anyone. Family and friends young and old were regularly blessed by this gift, often seen sporting custom “Joane knitwear creations.” She could even knit in her sleep (as observed on many an occasion)!

However, as accomplishments go, Joane was most proud of her two grandchildren, Graeme and Cameron Ann. She taught them manners, work ethic and unconditional love, qualities that we all know they will continue to uphold in her memory for all their lives.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held in remembrance of Joane at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Joane’s family would welcome donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.