Joanne MacLean, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020. Born in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, Joanne graduated from the Ottawa Civic Hospital School of Nursing and went on to earn her Diploma in Public Health from the University of Ottawa. Joanne and her husband, Donald MacLean, were married on November 15, 1969. Always one to put family first, she willingly moved around the country in support of her husband’s career. Joanne truly enjoyed working in the Public Health field for 32 years in Ottawa, Moncton, and Toronto. She was a thorough professional and advised many friends and relatives over the years for a variety of ailments.
However, Joanne’s greatest joy in life was her family. Although her children, Ian and Heather, live on opposite coasts and in different countries, she managed to stay close to both of them through long weekly phone calls. A devoted grandmother, Joanne especially loved spending time with her four grandchildren. She also loved reading and dancing. She and her husband, Don, won many dance contests while cruising the world together with friends. An attentive listener, she was always one to engage in conversation and easily made new friends. Joanne will be remembered for her strong, independent, and compassionate nature as well as her dedication to family.
Joanne was predeceased by her parents Émile and Edna Bélanger and her brother, Robert Bélanger. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald J. MacLean, her children Ian (Irma) MacLean and Heather (Kevin Avery) MacLean and grandchildren Rachel, Cameron, Matthew, and Conor.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has
requested donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Lise and Bernard Lamontagne
ANN and HARDY HARDCASTLE
IT IS WITH GREAT SORROW TO HEAR YOU HAVE LOST THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE. HOLD FAST TO ALL YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES FOR THEY WILL GIVE YOU MUCH COMFORT.
Ghislaine Lauzon
My most sincere condolences Don. I am extremely sorry to read that your dear Joanne has passed away. You had a great life together and wonderful souvenirs that will last forever. These are treasures.
Alain and Marie Garceau
Although we only met Joanne 7 years ago, she will certainly be remembered for her great sense of humour, her friendship, and for being such a great neighbour. She was a genuine good person and we will miss her dearly.
Annie and Dave Berthelot
All our memories of Joanne are good ones. Always welcoming, always warm and such a great listener. We always looked forward to the happy occasions with the whole family. Although there are no words that will ease your sorrow during the difficult days ahead, please know that we are thinking of all you.
Carol and Jerry Ciasnocha
Our deepest sympathy to you Don, Heather, Ian and your families. We have so many great memories of our time spent with you folks, including the good times here in Canada, in Florida and on our shortened cruise. These we will treasure. We will miss Joanne's sense of humor and friendship. These are difficult days for the family but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret Rogers Totten ( former McLean)
My deepest sympathy to you, Don, and your family. My fond memories of Joanne are on a curling trip with the group to Trois-Rivieres way back in the day. I laughed so much enjoying every minute of her presence. She was a warm and caring individual that made her mark on this earth with her compassion and understanding. We were blessed to share a little time with this special lady.
Marcel St Jean and Claudette Boilard
We have lost a very dear friend. We both met Joanne at CHEO in 1977 and the rest is history......the parties, the cruises, the road trips and the quiet times too! Joanne was proud of her French Canadian heritage and made the best pea soup a la canadienne. She loved it when we sang “les chansons a répondre”.
Don, Heather, Ian and families, you have lost a precious wife, mother, mother in law and grandmother. Notre belle Joanne......you will never be far away and we will always keep you close in our hearts.
Adèle Casey
I had the pleasure of working with Joanne at Home Care and lived close by in Orleans . She was an upbeat person always ready to help others with a warm smile. I am saddened by her passing . Sincere condolences to Don and Family.
Janine small-lalonde
What a life well lived. I remember Joanne as funny, smart , welcoming and so engaging. So sorry for your loss Don!
I remember many long conversations with Joanne when she talked about her children and grandchildren. I feel I got to know every member of Joanne’s family through these conversations as she did mine. We often laughed as we saw humour in many ordinary life experiences. I will cherish these memories and will miss my dear kind friend and neighbor. Lise
My last memory of Joanne was when I went to video tape her birthday wishes for Lise on May 15 and she had such a good sense of humor which I captured on the video and I also appreciated her generosity. Bernard