Barnes, Joanne Leslie 'Joan'
Our cherished wife and mother left this world on January 3rd, 2023 surrounded by loving family.
Survived by her husband of nearly 70 years Fred, loving children Laura (Patrick), Warren, Lynne and Alan and dear grandchildren Nolan and Clara. Joan is the ‘little’ sister to her beloved ‘big’ sister Eileen Lesnick (Vic) and proud Aunt to Larry and Michael Lesnick. Joan will be fondly remembered by so many for her beautiful smile and her happy, kind and optimistic nature.
Born into the heart of the depression, the start of Joan’s life held many challenges but with the love and support of sister Eileen, Joan became a nurse in the early ‘50’s. Life truly began when she married and started a family.
Creative in a multitude of ways Joan sewed beautiful outfits for her children as well as for the Barbies in the house. She tended to gorgeous flower beds, created a fascinating array of candles and became a self-taught culinary artist. The written word was extremely important; many was the night mom sat in the upstairs hallway reading to all four children who were tucked into bed. Eventually Joan’s love of literature led her to go back to college in her 40’s to become a library technician, a career she continued with until retirement.
Joan had a tenacious personality; she was always up for a challenge. An avid skier who tracked hundreds of runs at The Peaks, skiing also took her and Fred to resorts around the world. One of her favourite resorts was Lake Louise where she did an incredible job taking on difficult slopes just to be and ski with the family.
From your four children: Mom, you were the best mother we could ever have asked for. You gave us so much love and comfort. You were the greatest mom for kids to come home from school to and offered a warm and welcoming place to all our friends as well. Throughout our lives you taught us to be accepting of all, you supported us in whatever we wanted to achieve, you sang to us and made us laugh. We love you and will miss you greatly.
Our family meant the world to Joan and she meant the world to our family.
Thank you to the entire staff at Meaford General Hospital. The doctors who cared for Joan were outstanding. A special thanks to Dr. Sauriol who guided through the last days. We can’t say enough about the kindness, caring and compassion shown by all the nurses. A special thanks to Tia who truly gave us her heart at the end.
A celebration of Joan’s life will take place at a later date. As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College or the Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
So sorry for your loss Lynne. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time
Connie and Shawn Smithson
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
We were saddened to hear about Joan’s passing. She was a gracious and kind hearted lady who lived life with enthusiasm and never missed an opportunity to try something new. Family was Joan’s top priority and we all knew that family times were very special to her.
May all of those wonderful memories of Joan be a blessing to help you through this difficult time.
Sandy & Joanne Cunningham
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Lynne, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Hold on to the memories of the special time. They may fade, but never go away.
Thinking of you
Linda
Thursday, January 5, 2023
All my best wishes to you Lynnie and your family. Be sad, miss her, remember her and continue to have her with you. She is there. Tons of love and hugs.
Cath, Christine, Georgia, Caleb.
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Lynne, so sorry for your loss. The tribute for your Mom was lovely , she sounds like quite a lady. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Thinking of you,
Sandra & Randy
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Joan was a delightful woman and will be missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts go out to Fred and family as you grieve…Terry and Marilyn Pike
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Lynne, so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She sounds like a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed by anyone that knows the meaning of family and friend. May fond memories help to comfort you during your difficult loss.
Friday, January 6, 2023
Dear Lynne and family,
Mama Joan will forever be part of my memories. Always a welcomed big bright smile was how we would be greeted and her laugh-forever in my heart
Friday, January 6, 2023
Lynne and the Barnes Family:
I am truly sorry to know that Joan has passed. What a wonderful, sweet woman she was. “Joan was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave.”
Love to you all.❤
Friday, January 6, 2023
My condolences Lynne on the passing of your Mother. She truly was a special lady. May your memories bring you comfort.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Dear Lynne,
We didn’t know your mother, but are compelled to write to you as we were clients of your landscape company in 2008-09, and got to know YOU very well! The family’s tribute let the community know what a wonderful woman and mother she was.
We know you will hold so many memories in your hearts now and forever. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
George & Lynn Cornfield.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Dear Lynne,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. From your stories and tales, I know your Mom was a very special lady and I know she will be missed by your family. Treasure your memories of your time together.
Thinking of you.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Cam & Sue Ecclestone January7, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the Barnes family on the loss of a wonderful lady. Joan had a sparkling personality, one who always encouraged people to do their best. She will be missed by so many people.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
We are sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. I always felt welcomed by the Barnes clan, no matter how much time passed. Your Mom and Dad are terrific and caring people. We will miss your Mom and cherish her memories.
Brent & Lynn xo
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Our condolences to Fred and the family.
We had such wonderful times together and these memories will last a lifetime.
Love to all and let your memories of Joan get you through these sad times.
Mark & Dori
Thursday, January 12, 2023
To Fred, Lynn and all the family
Very sad to hear of the loss of your wife and Mom. Our families have always been connected through Lloyd and Betty, Chiropractic and skiing even though it’s been some time since we’ve seen you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, for peace and thankfulness for all the years and special times that enjoyed together as a family. What a special person she was.
From Jeff & Anita, Bill & Susan, Paul & Christine Stackhouse, Lee & Bob Ciupa and families
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Lynne and the Barnes Family,
Aunt Joan was kind hearted, loving, caring, intelligent and most of all gracious. Thoughts and prayers are with the Barnes family, for she is forever in the hearts of the Lesnick family especially her sister Eileen.
Mike Lesnick