It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joan Elizabeth Latimer (nee Glionna) announce her passing on November 11, 2024 at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood, at the age of 93. Joan was going strong right up until late August, when she fell and broke her hip at home, after which her health took a rapid decline. Joan leaves behind her daughter Shelley Latimer (James Glasspool), son Ian Latimer (Iris Puntanen), grandchildren Jamie & Kate Glasspool and Sarah & Erin Latimer, brother Jim Glionna (Pat deceased), nephew Joe Glionna (Maud Bones) and nieces Lillian, Dalia and Evelyn, and the many friends she touched along the way.
Joan was born in the Beach, an east end Toronto neighbourhood on Lake Ontario, to Italian and Scottish parents, Alfred H. Glionna and Margaret Morrison Boyd, where she attended Balmy Beach school and Malvern Collegiate. Joan graduated from journalism at Ryerson, and began her career at Eaton’s, working on the company newspaper. Joan was an early adopter of work from home, and wrote employee newsletters and publications while raising her young family. In 1973 Joan became the editor of a struggling local newspaper, where she turned things around and worked for 22 years before retiring. The Beach Metro News recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. In 1997 Joan was inducted into the Beach Roll of Honour, in recognition of outstanding achievements as a Beach resident.
Weekend treks to Collingwood began in 1958, when she and her former husband Keith joined Craigleith Ski Club. They bought a lot from a farmer at Craigleith, and a used A-frame cottage from Soyers Lake in Haliburton (writing for Canada Cartage came in handy). Joan would spend the entire summer at Craigleith with her children, hanging out at auction sales and Northwinds Beach. Joan was an avid curler, playing out of the Royal Canadian Curling Club (Royals) in Toronto for many years.
While on a ski trip to Quebec Joan met Harold Wakefield, the father of one of Ian’s friends. Five years of adventure ensued, including trips to China, New Orleans, and an overnight at an oasis in Death Valley. After Harold’s sudden death Joan bought his condo on Wellington St, just across from Berczy park, and became immersed in downtown life, frequenting the St Lawrence Market and attending classes at the LIFE Institute of Ryerson (Learning is Forever).
When it was time to cut the ties to the City, Joan bought a condo at the Shipyards, and embraced all that Collingwood has to offer, including Probus (By the Bay) and PBTB Book club and Bridge, the Nature League, Live at the Met, Sidelaunch Days and Pride Parade to name a few. And she never missed an Elvis Festival. Memorable trips to the Baltic, Vietnam, El Salvador, Cuba, Abaco, Tobermory and more were had with her Collingwood friends.
Joan could be spotted biking on the Georgian Trail, or swimming at the Y or Centennial Aquatic Centre. Bridge was a mainstay in Joan’s life, and she played regularly at the Collingwood Leisure Club, and with the Craigleith Bridge women.
Always learning new things, Joan embraced technology - she did not want to be left behind. She had an Applewatch, which her brother Jim gave her for her 90th birthday, an Iphone, Ipad, laptop, google mini, etc. While it was a struggle at times, Joan persevered and used them all.
Joan started her day reading her online subscriptions – the Toronto Star, NYTs, Washington Post, Guardian and the Collingwood Today. Joan loved politics, and was engaged in life. If you ever wanted to know what was happening in Collingwood, Toronto, the US or the World, you could just ask Joan. Joan was most recently consumed by the US election, becoming a CNN junkie.
Joan had a close relationship with her Grandchildren, and was very proud of their accomplishments. She looked forward to their calls, texts and visits, hearing about their activities and travels, and managed to get a little tech help from them along the way.
Joan will be remembered for her sense of humour and wit. She was a strong and independent woman, and an inspiration to many. A loving Mother and Grandmother and a true friend. We will all miss her dearly. Cheers to a life well lived.
Thank you to Dr. Fraser and Dr. Habib at the Collingwood Hospital, and the incredible volunteers and staff at Campbell House. If you wish, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation – Campbell or Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation. To sign Joan’s Book of Memories, please visit www.affordablecremation.ca