Joanna (Joep to her Dutch friends and family) van Vloten, known for her radiant smile, positive attitude, dedication to family and love of people, died of natural causes on Thursday, April 16th, just ten days before her 96th birthday.

In 1963 she left her parents, eight siblings, extended family and friends to take on the adventure of emigrating from The Netherlands with her husband Ernest and son Peter to settle in Southern Ontario.

The early death of Ernest in 1988 broke her heart. Shortly after, she moved to Fergus where she has lived since.

Joanna was a real people person and made friends easily. Kind, caring and optimistic with just a bit of posh and flare. Those who met her didn’t forget her. She made friends easily. She was committed to family and especially loved her son, his wife Kris and her grandchildren Alexi and Jacob.

Her life was rich and eventful. Joanna spoke Dutch, English and French, experienced the Second World War, lived in Paris and rural Halton County and had occupations as diverse as bank clerk, art dealer and engraver. People were her favourite pastime, but she also enjoyed gardening, needlepoint, reading, the music of Julio Iglesias and tidying. She was very tidy.

She was special and we will miss her so very much. She will always be in our thoughts and close to our hearts.

Peter and Kris would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wellington Terrace for their exceptional care during Joanna’s last few months and especially her last few days. They were amazing even while coping with Covid-19 challenges.

If you wish to make a donation, the Centre Wellington Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund
( www.cwcfoundation.ca ) or the Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home ( www.wellington.ca ) would be wonderful and timely causes.