On August 11, 2023, at the age of 83, Joanne passed peacefully at Bowmanville Hospital, after a struggle with cancer.

She is survived by her son Jamie, daughter Pamela, and by her grandchildren, Noah and Taya Larkin, and Walker Emmons.

Joanne was a noted pianist and piano teacher all her life, and a church organist for 64 years, at many Scarborough churches: Westminster Presbyterian, Iondale Heights United, Guildwood Presbyterian, St. Andrews Presbyterian, and St. John’s, Milliken, Presbyterian.

She retired last year from her final church, Newcastle United Church. Over the years, she taught hundreds of piano students, many of whom took what they learned from her and shared it with others. She loved to sit with her cats, doing crossword puzzles or talking to friends.

Many will remember sitting outside with Joanne, drinking white wine and laughing, or unburdening themselves to her receptive ear. Her music, her smile, and her warmth of spirit will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be at Newcastle Funeral Home, 386 Mill St S, Newcastle, on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 2pm to 5pm. A funeral service will be held at Newcastle United Church, 84 Mill St S, Newcastle, on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11am followed by a reception in the church hall. A private family interment will take place in Scarborough.