a Celebration of Joan McGrath's Life...
Joan often spoke of the Tapestry of Life, which was created and interwoven with the many Threads from innumerable interactions, experiences and sources. We invite you to add to her rich Tapestry of Life by sharing your stories, photos and memories...
Contribute
Help grow Joan's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.
Thoughts
I am so sad and heart broken to learn of Joan's death. I adored her. She was such a fun and delightful person. She felt like a second mother to me and also a great friend. I never felt any generation gap. She was so hip, cheerful, full of fun and joy. I am so ever grateful I met her, in 1990 in an ESL class at St. Lawrence College, where our friendship began. She taught me the wonderful word game, CONSTANTINOPLE. that I have used so many times with all ages of students. I loved and was so honoured to be a part of her life and her dear family's. I have such warm, fond memories of visiting with her and Gerald in Jakarta in 1991 and learning how to "barter" with the Indonesian shop keepers. Her truly unique method was to laugh and laugh as you walked out of a shop after they gave their price to you. This " silliness" made them feel silly to ask such a price and they always came running after us with a lower price.
I adored Joan and her house full of lovely art and her sweet and magical garden in the front with the water pool and impish creatures and objects found perched or hidden within.
I have always had a special place for Joan in my heart and have missed seeing her so much these last few years. I will never forget her and want to keep in touch with you all as you are all so special and dear to me. Thank you for touching my life.
Love,
Sarah
sarah_chester
17th December 2013
Today was Mummy's memorial Celebration of Life service. It was achingly beautiful, made so special by all the love enveloping our family. Everything came together, from the poetry to the music, from the tributes from Uncle Neill, Joan Hughes and Caroline Farrell to the masterful words of Rev. Wayne Hilliker. From our decorating touches of Mummy's artwork to the photos and even her iconic clothing, it was all so beautiful... I know she was smiling down on the day as she heard the last few notes of the bagpiper's stirring Amazing Grace drift off into the wind. We love you now and forever... Rest in peace my dearest Mummy xoxxoxoxoxox
Sent by the McGrath family on 15/06/2013
(Former neighbour from Bicknell Cres.)... "What an amazing and admired person to have shared your lives with. I will remember her vibrancy and warmth,and memories of the beauty she created in her family and the community."
the McGrath family
15th May 2013
Candles
My memory was divided by where I was living. Now that I’m back in Canada, it’s divided into the different tabs open on my phone. And I’m glad to stumble back into this one.
Lit by Ian on 10th November 2023
10 years without you is 10 years too long...I see you every day, I feel you every day- you are always with me and always shall be 💞 You are our dearest, most beloved Mummy...Nyonya...Joan forever. Love you xoxoxo
Lit by Ilana on 26th April 2023
Your zest for life was far-reaching…your talents and passions are manifesting in new generations ♥️ You are never far away from us, and forever in our souls.
Lit by Ilana on 11th March 2022