Passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Monday November 4th 2024 surrounded by loved ones in Meaford, Ontario.
Predeceased by parents Alice Creswicke and Maurice Folinsbee, and brothers John Folinsbee (Joan) and David Folinsbee (Jean). Loving mother of Stephen, Julie, Gretchen (Marc Lacourciere), Rebecca (Craig Redman), and the late David Timmins, proud grandmother of Matthew and Margo Redman, Luc, Julie and Jean Marc Lacourciere, Kevin and Daniel Rohn, and Jeffrey Timmins and kind aunt to wonderful nieces and nephews.
Beloved daughter, sister, cousin, niece, wife, mother, aunt, friend, teacher, artist: Joan played many roles in her life but the role of artist threaded throughout.
Joan had a happy childhood growing up in Toronto during depression years with many stories of adventures there and at the family cottage in Shanty Bay near Barrie, Ontario. There were cousins to play with and nature to appreciate but a childhood illness caused her to be bedridden for some time, and forbidden to read. The only thing she could do in her dimly lit room was draw and that is when she first discovered her love of art.
Joan went to school in Toronto attending St. Clements and Oakwood Collegiate. She graduated high school just as World War Two was coming to an end but did her duty by signing up to be a WREN for the final months. In Vancouver, she tested chronometers on Navy boats.
After the war ended, she attended the Ontario College of Art where she trained as a painter. Joan had various beaus and there were memorable stories of good times like dancing at the Palais Royale. Another story was when she took a fateful ski trip to the Laurentians. While there, she met her future husband, James (Jim) Timmins, from Montreal.
During their five year engagement, Joan continued art school and spent summers working at Jasper Park Lodge.
When Joan graduated, she worked as a fashion illustrator in New York City before marrying Jim. She became busy raising children in Thornhill but always found time to paint and draw. There were happy times in Collingwood enjoying weekends skiing with friends and family.
Unfortunately not all was happy, and the marriage ended. Joan pursued a teaching certificate and worked at Collingwood Collegiate in the early seventies. She returned to school attending York University’s Fine Art program and received her degree.
In her next stage, Joan pursued dreams of a painting career. She lived in an idyllic rural location in Thornhill which provided inspiration for her work. She showed at the Nancy Poole Gallery in Yorkville during the 70’s and 80’s. Her large watercolour landscapes were beautiful and unique. She worked in all mediums. Her work received recognition and is found in collections across Canada. Joan also taught from her studio.
In the nineties, Joan moved to downtown Toronto where she continued to paint and hobnob with artists such as the Central Connection art group. In the 2000’s, she moved to Thornbury connecting with the artist community there including the L.E. Shore Library Art Committee. Joan was a thinker and writer. She self-published a number of books of essays.
Unfortunately, declining vision finally had the best of Joan. She stopped making art in her last two years. She kept engaged with American politics, listening to podcasts and stories on her cassette player and Kindle. Joan lived in her own home right until the end with the help of family, especially her grandson Matthew who lived with her.
Joan’s final days were made as comfortable as possible surrounded by family and with amazing care from the staff at the Meaford Hospital.
Joan left this earthly sphere content in the knowledge that she lived her life fully, loved and was loved, and pursued her artistic dreams to the end.
A celebration of Joan’s life will be held in the Spring of 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home - Collingwood Chapel.