Joan grew up in Peterborough, attending Queen Alexander and Queen Elizabeth Public Schools and PCVS High School. Her summers were spent at her family cottage on Chemong Lake.

 

Her father owned and operated a Butcher and Grocery Store in Peterborough known as Latimer’s Food Towne, where she spent many hours and summers working. She began just stocking shelves but eventually acquired responsibilities at the produce counter, bagging groceries and working as a cashier.

 

In 1964 Joan graduated as a Registered Nurse from Peterborough Civic Hospital now known as Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Her career of nursing has provided her the opportunity of traveling and working around the world, first in Australia and then in London England. In 1968 she returned to Canada, settling in Ottawa working in ICU and CCU before taking on the responsibility of Supervisor of Emergency at Ottawa General Hospital.

 

In 1972 Joan moved to Oshawa, again working in CCU and ICU before joining the staff of the Oshawa Clinic. In 1974 she joined General Motors working as a staff nurse, nursing supervisor and finally working in the Personnel Department as part of the Abilities Management Unit, retiring in 2001.

 

As a young adult Joan has enjoyed cross country and alpine skiing, volunteering as a Canadian Ski Patroller for 28 years at the Oshawa Kirby Ski Club, now known as Brimacombe. In the summers, water skiing has been her passion, and in her later years driving the ski boat and teaching water skiing and wake boarding. She enjoys sewing, knitting, home making, arts and crafts, camping and cottage life. She is involved with Canadian Girl Guiding and TOPS.

 

Joan has a son and daughter both with spouses and family - four beautiful grandchildren that keep her young and busy. Joan is one of four siblings, one being her twin sister. These days, summer or winter, you will often find Joan walking her Yorkie Rosie on the rail trail or sitting on a bench at the park enjoying the sunsets.

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