Joanne Ellen Hofford (nee Johnston) – October 15, 1948- December 11, 2019
Joanne passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife and best friend of Bruce. Loving mother of Lori Tait (Hildy), Shelley Tait (Dan), Stacey Sharpless (Blair), Leslie Galinha (Mike) and Jennifer Hofford (Victor). Loved by her sister, Kim and her children, Justin and Kaylee. Adored “Nanny” to Adam, Ted and Amanda Steiner, Jake, Ryan and Liam Punkari, Emma and Megan Sharpless, Brett (Cassandra) and Erik Galinha, Adam and Quinton Jazar, Victor, Kiefer and Sophie Krisztics and great granddaughter, Annessa Galinha and her loyal canine companion, Pearl. Predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Rita (nee Hannah), her sister, Sharon and her brother, Barry. Fondly remembered by her Aunt Betty Johnston, many cousins, the extended Hofford family and many, many friends.
Joanne was born in Little Current, the oldest of 4 children. She lived her whole life in Lively. She worked as an insurance broker with McDonald, Napier & Thomas in Sudbury for more than 30 years before her first journey with cancer led her into early retirement.
She loved to sew and quilt and play rummoli. She was an active member of the Walden Seniors’ Centre. She was an avid and talented bowler. At home, She loved to cook and bake and was famous for her lasagna, cabbage rolls, macaroni and tomatoes, spicy spaghetti sauce, “nanny” salad, her cakes, especially carrot and chocolate and her shortbread cookies at Christmas time! Everything she served up was “exquisite”. She enjoyed reading and knitting and spoiling her dog, Pearl.
Joanne’s favourite places, other than home and her many social engagements included the “camp” on Manitoulin Island. the Hofford homestead in Prince Edward County and anywhere her kids and grandkids were. She enjoyed just going on a road trip and was especially happy if her 100-pound American bulldog Pearl was along for the ride. Her favourite vacation was a trip to St. Maarten with Bruce.
In her final days she made it easy for her family and friends to say goodbye. And for every tear, there was laughter and storytelling, singing and prayers (especially Psalm 23) and ice-cold coca cola! Thank you to Reverend Kathy and Sister Bonnie for your spiritual support and prayers.
With grace, her unique sense of humour and a strong and loving heart, Joanne expressed gratitude to the amazing medical team that looked after her with compassion for so many years, notably Dr. Luison, Dr. Ishaak, Dr. Shehata, Dr. Noble and Dr. Saunders, and the incredible team of specialists, nurses and PSWs who journeyed with her over the years. Our family is especially grateful to the Palliative Care team at Sudbury Health Science North, including Dr. Knight (who told her he admired her courage) and the incredible nurses and PSWs who took such amazing care of her (and our family) in her final days.
In the words of St. Paul, she fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith.
Visitation, at Lougheed Funeral Home, 252 Regent Street, Sudbury, Friday, December 13, 2019 from 6-9 p.m. and after 11am Saturday with a Celebration of Life to follow on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.
As expressions of sympathy, Joanne has requested donations be made to the Northeast Cancer Centre and the Salvation Army (Sudbury only). Flowers entrusted to Leslie, her daughter, at Designer Bouquet in Chelmsford.
For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheed.org