July 27, 1936 – June 22, 2024.
Joan passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep at her home in Collingwood, Ontario on June 22, 2024. She was born in Toronto to former RCYC Commodore Raymond Engholm and Margaret Engholm (Peggy, nee Doherty). She was predeceased by her husband, the late Cav. Ronald J. Farano QC. Joan is survived by her brother Peter Engholm (with Wendy Brown), her son Greg (with Linda Dvali), daughter Lisa, and son Chris (with Shelley Brown), grandchildren Matthew, Jack, James, Patrick, Audrey, Russell, Theo, Tilly, great-grandchild Charlie, sister-in-law Josephine Grittani (nee Farano), and stepmother Eileen Engholm (nee Lee).
Joan attended Branksome Hall in Toronto accumulating lifelong friendships, followed by a time at Parsons School of Design in New York City and Humber College in Toronto.
Joan was a modern day “bon vivant” always living her life with curiosity and never taking on a project without “doing her research”. She had a passion for design, style and detail as demonstrated in the homes she lived in, the clothes she wore, and her long-time generous support of the arts through her past involvement with the Ontario Craft Council, The National Ballet of Canada, and with individual artists, a trait she passed on to all her children.
Joan loved a cause, often participating wholeheartedly. Joan wasn’t afraid to support the less popular side. From fighting the corporate world, like stopping MacDonald’s from erecting signage in her once pristine Etobicoke neighbourhood back in the 1970s, to her involvement with Non-Smokers' Rights that led to restricting smoking in public places, Joan was there.
With her signature laugh and often finding herself the life-of-the-party, Joan loved to have fun. When the opportunity arose to assist with organizing events, especially in the early days of the Toronto French School, the Italian Chamber of Commerce, and Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood, Joan was there.
Long before the term became popular, Joan was an “influencer”. From her sense of adventure and individual style that she shared with her family, to her ability to instantly win over a stranger with charm while at the same time challenging them, without a doubt Joan left a mark on this world as she will for sure on the souls she meets in the next. Giovanna, we send you off with a “PhD in Life” and much love on your journey.
Cremation has occurred. Details of a Celebration of Joan Farano’s life to be announced. Memorial Donations in honour of Joan Farano can be made to Elephant Thoughts (www.elephantthoughts.com) and The National Ballet of Canada (www.national.ballet.ca). Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home - Collingwood.