Joan Harrison (Service date added)

Obituary

Live Stream of Service – https://youtube.com/live/ihmZOiD8ObM?feature=share

Joan Harrison, of Southampton, Ontario, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by and holding the hands of her loving children.

Joan was born in Hamilton, Ontario, to Sydney and Aileen (nee Elliott) Eason, spending her childhood in Leaside (Toronto) with her older brother, Gary, and spending summers at Sauble Beach. She returned to Leaside with Peter to raise their children, Christine and Brett. A lifelong learner, Joan attended the University of Waterloo, Seneca College, York University (Glendon), and the University of Western Ontario, completing degrees in Psychology and Teaching, and a diploma in Human Resources. 

Independent and career-focused, Joan held Human Resources roles at Dylex, the Ministry of Labour, and the Office of the Ombudsman (Ontario), worked as a secondary school supply teacher, and in the non-profit sector, where she retired as Executive Director of Home and Community Support Services for Grey-Bruce in 2000. 

As a devoted mother, and grandmother to Paige, Noah, Kate, Connor, and Ethan, Joan was proud and generous, providing both encouragement and support in all endeavours. Growing up with her father’s English influence, she was a traditionalist in some aspects of life, and also had an adventurous spirit, welcoming new experiences. She honoured traditions, created new ones, and particularly loved family celebrations and special occasions, big and small, with her many friends. A prolific world-traveler, she made dozens of trips and visited all continents, including Antarctica. Perhaps her most epic travel experience was a 4-month cruise around the world. She was drawn to the diversity of culture, food, and sights of each region, and developed many friendly connections along her way. 

Joan was an exceptional woman. She had a spark, a joie de vivre, a certain courage. She remained content and happy to be in the place where she felt most at home. She will be remembered for her strength, her grace, and her deep love for family and friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 1:00pm, at Southampton United Church. Visitation at Eagleson Funeral Home, Southampton, on Friday, January 19, 4:00-6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Joan’s requests included donations be made to Action Canada (https://www.actioncanadashr.org), Kids Help Phone, or the charity of your choice.