Obituary of Joan Sophia Dowding

DOWDING, Joan Sophia – It is with extreme sadness we announce Joan Dowding passed away with her family by her side at Bluewater Health on Monday April 8, 2013 in her 82nd year. Joan will be sadly missed by Roy, her loving husband for 59 years. Much loved mother of daughter Katherine and her husband Vernon, Edmonton, and son Ian and his wife Janice, Port Credit. Cherished Nana to Stephen and Jordan. She is also survived by her brother Hugh Mackie (Barrie) and his children Janet (Bob) and Scott (Pam) and their three children. Joan was born in Clark Ontario and married to Roy in the Alton United Church. Joan was a public school teacher and graduate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music. A long time member of Grace United Church serving many years as church Elder and a member of the I.O.D.E. Joan was a gentle soul in every way and will be remembered for her kindness, courtesy and the respect she showed towards others. She will be sadly missed by many. Joan loved her garden and the pleasures in feeding the wild birds, music and travel. The Dowding family wish to make special mention of the nursing staff in the Stroke and Palliative wards at Bluewater Health for their compassion and kindness. Also many thanks to Sue Browning and Brad Morrision, our Grace United Ministers for their visits, prayers and spiritual guidance during our moments of sadness. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Joan's life will be held at Grace United Church on Thursday, April 11th at 1:30 with the Rev. Brad Morrison officiating. Private family interment will follow. Arrangements entrusted to McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 519-344-3131. As an expression of sympathy friends who wish may send memorial donations to Sarnia & District Humane Society, 131 Exmouth St., Sarnia, N7T 7W8 or the Rotary Club of Sarnia Charitble Foundation, P.O. Box 22014, Twin Lakes Postal Outlet, Sarnia, N7S 6J4. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Joan Dowding in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 15th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area