It is with great sadness that we share that Joan Marie Reed (Barber) of Goderich formerly of Sault Ste Marie, Milton and Elora Ontario, passed away after a quick and unexpected battle with Cancer. She passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023 at Huron Hospice with family by her side at the young age of 61.
To know Joan was to know what it is to be loved. Family was the most important thing to her and she would do anything for those around her near and far. Joan was a creative spirit who loved the outdoors and had just completed a 300 km bike trip with her husband Steve in Nova Scotia this past September. Joan often said her happy place was on a lake only accessible by canoe in the back country of Algonquin Park.
Joan was the loved wife of Stephen Reed for 43 years. Cherished mother of Lindsey Peacocke (Sean) and Matthew Reed (Andrea). And beloved Nana to Cole and Brynn Peacocke. Joan was a dear daughter to Roma and the late George Barber.
She will be deeply missed by her sisters Linda Matchim (Carl), Helen Barber (Brian) and late brother Robert (Lenora). As well as Ken and Norma Reed, Brian Reed (Debbie), Dale Reed (Niccette), Bonnie Jalak (Steve) and many dear nieces and nephews and friends.
To carry on Joan’s passion for caring for others, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Joan’s name to the Huron Hospice would be appreciated by her family. Details can be found at www.huronhospice.ca/donate.
A Celebration of Life will be held for close family in Algonquin Park as well as Sault Ste Marie, ON. The family will notify loved ones regarding the details.
“We’ll love you forever and chips and dip will never be the same without you Joan.”
Steve & Patti Nixon
During this time of profound sorrow, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Joan’s memory will forever live on in your heart, and in the cherished moments you shared.
Although we only knew Joan for a short time you two were the first to make us feel us so welcomed when we moved in to the community and for that we will always be grateful.
Janice & Robert Brawley
What a shock to hear of Joan’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies to Steve, Lindsay, Matthew and all who knew this lovely lady. Gone too soon.
Brenda and Rick De Jong
Our condolences to the family. Joan will be missed. I first met Joan and Steve on Halloween Day in 2022. They went door to door with treats and to welcome us newbies to “the bluffs”. I knew right away that Joan was a gem. Joan was beautiful inside and out. We only knew Joan a short time but she will not be forgotten.
Maura O'Reilly
She was a beautiful soul, she always had a beautiful smile and she enjoyed playing the Ukulele with us .We will miss her.
Our Blessings to the family at this difficult times…From the Ukulele Group at the Library in Goderich .
Kathy & Stephen Drew
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our condolences to all of you.
Randalin Rose
Sincerest condolences to family, Auntie Roma sending much love, I have the memories of us all growing up together.
Brian & Marilynne Adams
Steve & family…our sincere condolences on the loss of a beautiful lady…Joan will be missed by many. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all @ this difficult time. Rest in peace Joan.
John Agnew
John and Wendy Agnew send our most sincere condolences to Aunt Roma, Steve and all the rest of the family. We were both shocked when we saw the very sad news, sending hugs RIP Joan.
Ann Hara
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our condolences to all of you.
Ann & Mark Hara
Meaghan O'Brien
Joan (Mrs. Reed to me) was such an important person in my early life, probably more than she will have ever realized. In a time where I often felt lost and alone, I always knew I could find kindness and support from her. She was warm, kind, generous with her time and energy, and she made everyone feel safe and welcome. I was blessed and am beyond grateful that she was just down the road during my teenage years.
Steve, Lindsey, Matthew, I am so sorry for your loss and my heart breaks for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Andrews
I would like to express my sympathies to Steve and family. It’s been a long time since I’ve had any connection to the family. We used to visit as children.
Shelley McElroy
Dear Steve, Roma, Lindsey, Sean and family and Matthew and Andrea
Jim and I lived across the street in Elora from Steve and Joan’s home for about 13 years. We had a birds eye view of the upside down xmas tree, elf on a shelf, broom art for any occasion and the october spiders. Steve and Joan would often be seen working on the property and creating the next outdoor delight for all to enjoy. Or, they would be in the garage getting out the canoe- Lady Fish and heading out to the wilds of Ontario. The best neighbours ever.
Our grandchildren were born very close together so we shared with great anticipation the arrival of those beloved ones. We shared notes on the delights and joy the grandbabies brought!
We were to cycle the NS south coast in 2022 but Jim broke his leg, so Steve and Joan delayed their trip so they could join us in September of 2023.
It was a blessing to share that trip with them, and to see Joan go the distance. She was in one of her “sweet spots”. She told me she closed her eyes on a downhill and it felt like flying.
I believe she is a free bird now and flying is an everyday occurrence.
Joan- A beautiful lady with a kind and generous spirit. Steve and Joan lived I believe like today could be ones last. We were witness to that.
Joan you will be missed immeasurably. You are loved dearly by many. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to your precious family. All your special cookies and pies…. will be remembered and held in loved ones hearts with many more dear dear memories. It is fitting to have a celebration of a life well lived in Algonquin Park.
I pray you are in your heavenly Fathers arms and those of us here can have hope of meeting once again!
May you all be strengthened during this very difficult time. We are so very sorry for your great loss.
Love, Jim and Shelley
Jim and Lorraine
It’s with a profoundly sad heart I’m sending love and condolences to you and the family Joan was an amazing young lady I’m eternally grateful for her in my life to know her was just a gift she was a little sister to me and those memories will never be forgotten love to you all uncle Jim and Lorraine
Judy Leblond
Dear Steve, Lindsey and Matthew
Please accept my sincere condolences. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Donna and Sudhir Kumar
We are very fortunate to be friends with Joan and Steve for little over a year now. Joan was a very gentle, kind, loving , the list can go on and on. Her SMILE was infectious.
Losing someone you love is never easy. May loving memories of Joan help you all find peace, strength and comfort.
Please take heart in knowing that you are surrounded by people who care about you and want to support you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time Beautiful Joan Rest in Peace🙏
Greg Hardy
We met Joan and Steve last December, they were the first to welcome us to our new community “The Bluffs”. We spent a fair amount of time with our new neighbours and became very close quickly! Joan and Steve are two of the best neighbours you could ever have!
We used to love talking about their adventures, like Winter Camping and large biking trips. They were always very active!
Joan is a very comforting soul she is so kind and helpful. She adores her Family and Friends and always went out of her way regularly to show everyone they are special and important!
Steve, Lindsey, Sean, Matthew, Andrea, Brynn, and Cole, You are all in our thoughts and our prayers, and we hope you all have comfort in the legacy that Joan has left behind. We believe that we have a new Guardian Angel above and that she will shine brightly!
Mark and Brenda Corbett
Dear Steve: Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this dark time. Please know that our family is keeping you and yours in our prayers and thoughts.”
Rea livingsa
Steve and family
My deepest sympathy
Joan taken far too soon
No words to express this tragic loss
Take comfort in your family
Mary and Warren
Joan had this amazing spirit, that was full of life and passion for the things that she was involved with, giving it her all.
It was a true honour and pleasure to have met Joan a year ago when we moved to the Bluffs, her kindness, caring , friendship, and creativity were evident from the moment we met her and Steve, – it began with Christmas lights and the upside down Christmas Tree.
We send our deepest condolences to Steve and his beautiful family for the loss of a truly unique individual.
Thank you for the friendship, you will be forever missed.
Howard Gray
Stephen and family,
Please accept our Deepest Condolences.
We are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Howard and Diane Gray.
Alan
I met Joan and Steve when I moved to Elora 3 years ago. They were my neighbors. Joan baked me cookies as a welcome to the neighborhood. We became great friends. Joan and Steve were very well known in the area for all their fun and creative lawn displays. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Steve and the whole family. My heart and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Marilyn Cameron
Steve and Family. We are very sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our condolences to your family. Ken and Marg Cameron and Family.
Keir and Lisa
We did not know Joan for a long time; it did not take long to know she was a very kind, gentle and giving person.
An old soul with the rare gift of knowing what gave her serenity; family, a connection with nature, and a desire to give back.
We feel very blessed to have been touched by her light; the same light we see in the rising, and the setting sun, and the twinkling of the stars in an untouched sky.
We will always sense her spirit in the light of all three, as we do now, writing these words to the golden tones of the sun setting over the forested mountains of Northern Arizona.
George
My condolences to the family. Joan was a great person. In my thoughts
Steve & Patti Nixon
It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. May you find peace, comfort, and all the love you need in the days to come.
Barbara Peacocke
Lindsey, Steve and Matthew,
The energy your mother eluded was always sincere. Joan lived for her family and when her Children and Grandchildren were mentioned she had pride that emanated in her recalling of their achievements. Joan’s generosity was a key to who she was. Joan flourished in doing for others … her laughter was so sincere to her very core. The love Joan had for her family and they for her was as pure and deep as a family could ask for.
The loss for you is immense and the healing arduous. Heal knowing that so many of us thought Joan was a very unique and wonderful lady that we all had her presence for such a short time in our lives.
Sincere Sympathy Barbara Peacocke
Debbie Corbett
Deepest Sympathy to Joan’s Family
Debbie Corbett
Sending Hugs to all of Joan’s Family
roma denomme
I am so sorry to hear about Joanie,,,,she was such a sweet cousin and remember when I was little and she used to babysit us….my condolences to Steve, and the entire family. She will be greatly missed, love Roma (Kennis) Denomme and family..
Jill
We are so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. She was always a pleasure to be around. Gone way too soon. Sending love to all the family.
Bert, Jill Worwood and families
Linda Rourke
I was fortunate to have met Joan on the bike trip in Nova Scotia this past September. Such a kind human and she spoke of her love for family and friends. Such a loss to all when someone is taken too early. I am blessed to have met her.
Charlotte Leonard
I met Joan on her Nova Scotia cycling tour this past September. I took to her immediately and admired her determination, kindness and adventurous spirit. I wish I had known her better. Please accept my sincerest condolences on this shocking and tragic loss.