Joan (Joanie) Hatley (nee Staple)

I never knew what “dying of a broken heart” meant until now. I watched a beautiful, vivacious, loving, thoughtful person slip away over the years like sand in an hour-glass, unstoppable on its deadly journey. She lived under a permanent black cloud..can you imagine that? No joy, no hope, no sunshine, no wish to get up in the morning. Finally, as she put it, SHE WAS DONE! My darling friend took her final walk alone but on her own terms.
My thanks to John and Jan Hatley who tried valiantly to remain in her life to the extent that she would permit. And thanks to Brenda Staple and members of her family and to her friends who tried in vain to stay in contact with her.
Although she leaves a big hole in my life I’m glad she now has what she had wanted since Jim’s passing. She never hurt anyone..but herself.
What a waste!

Joan was my best friend until the age of 21…. our Maid of Honour at our wedding. This photo, with her parents, on Sept 18, 1970. I’m saddened today to learn of her passing on Feb 22, 2019. I admired her as an all-star ball player (a great pitcher); a skilled pianist; an A+ student, always; a true friend! We would sit alongside the ditch, on Cartwright Avenue at the age of 3 & 4 years, making mud pies; we danced in the rain on many days; ‘very serious’ conversations as we strolled to school daily (I remember, we would actually be holding hands then – till the age of 7 or 8); countless sleepovers; summertime fun at Uncle Bob’s cottage or her aunts cottage in Bala; so many laughs at Playtime Bowl where we both held our first jobs; lots of partys and plenty of double dates. I understand that she is where she’s wanted to be for sometime now, back with Jimmy; her ever-doting parents and her only brother John. Rest in peace Joanie. I will continue to cherish the memories we made ever so effortlessly, as they are forged forever in my heart! Love you girlfriend! xox

I remember Joanie’s warm smile, her BIG hair, her makeup DONE, and that raspy voice she had. I was a child when I met Joanie probably sometime in the 80’s. I remember her always embracing me with a warm welcoming hug. I remember her personality being so uplifting and bubbly. She always seemed so fun to be around. Joanie would never let me leave without giving me my very own pack of Juicy Fruit Gum which she always seemed to have lots of in her desk. I remember being at different events where both Joanie and Jim were present. I used to watch as they would dance together. Even as a child, I could see their love for eachother was undeniable. Joanie, I hope you are finally dancing with Jim again.

What can you say ! A unique woman that stood for everything that was right in the world. No one could match her optimism and hopes for the future. We would have endless conversations on each others philosophy on life. I used to be so proud after she edited a business letter of mine because it was so professional ( we sure fooled the Joanie) .
It was difficult to accept the lifestyle that she adopted after the passing of her amazing husband Jim. I am forever grateful for all her encouragement through the years .
Thanks for your ever flowing stream of kindness to all you came to know.

Forever in our prayers,
Joe & Violet D’Amico

Rest In Peace Joanie

We have known Joanie for over 45 years, going back to the Division Construction days. She was my right hand for over 30 years. I remember her being an integral part of our management team and learned very quickly to trust her intuition regarding other people. I may have been the “Boss” but every employee and supplier would always discuss concerns with Joanie first before talking to me. She was the mother hen of the company, and God help them if anyone tried to bypass her to get to me or my brother. Joanie I hope you know that you were greatly admired, loved and respected by everyone and you were a true and loyal friend to the end.
Rest in peace our friend and we hope that now you are reunited with the love of your life, Jim.
Love Mike & Diane

My first memory of Joanie was when my parents left my two older sisters and I alone in a beautiful Muskoka cottage with these wonderfully friendly and fun relatives of our Uncle John and Aunt Brenda. At the time I’m not sure who was more nervous about the arrangement, them or us. Our first encounter was nothing short of delightful. They were both wonderful. Joanie was spirited, full of life and was instantly loved by these three young girls. From our first encounter filled with dancing, singing with our hairbrushes, games and stories of the big “city” we had a new Auntie. Year after year we had the pleasure of visits with Joanie and Jimmy whether they would visit us up north or we ventured to the city. It was always an occasion to look forward to. Visits were never short of laughs and fun and although in the north the bugs and nature were Joanie’s nemesis, she was a trooper. One of our families fondest memories were of the spirited garage concerts shown in this picture where hours would go by, dance routines would be plentiful and voices would be lost, where Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton would be shadowed by a new rendition of Islands in the stream, titled, Three Wheelers in the Swamp, to recall adventures in the north. Although we are saddened that we have not been able to be part of her life for a number of years, we are comforted to know she is where she has longed to be, by Jimmy’s side. We can only imagine the musical shenanigans that she, Jimmy, John and our father Don are getting into, together once again. She touched our lives and our hearts and we are pleased to have experienced life with her.
Love from the Patrick family.

The Joanie we knew and loved, she was a fun-loving person who enjoyed her work, her family and her many friends. She was definitely a city person.
Eventually she and Jimmy became cottagers and enjoyed many weekends in Muskoka. Joanie quickly learned that you did not have to dress up for cottage life and the country “DID” have bugs. She also learned that all four seasons could be fun. Tobogganing which she called “Shooshing” or walking across the ice on the bay and when you hear the loud cracking under your feet, you would take off like a bullet to shore. She liked raking leaves and sometimes mowing the lawn with an old motor less lawn mower that you pushed. Sometimes you would find her in the work shop, sanding or painting. Other times she would be on the deck reading her favourite magazine or watching the humming birds or the resident tailless chipmunk. Often you would find her on the floor in the living room playing with her niece Shan.
Music was also something. Joan enjoyed putting the music on in the evening and you usually would find her singing, dancing or playing imaginary instruments. Joanie’s favourite was the key board but she would sometimes take over the drums from Jimmy.
One very important thing that she learned as a cottager is that you DO NOT go skinny dipping on the night of a full moon. Especially if you don’t want to be seen.
She also enjoyed time with her extended family. Her favourite was the infamous St Ola Hootenannies with loud music coming from the garage, food on the BBQ and A LOT of people around.
This was the Joanie and Jimmy we knew.
In later life sadly they became reclusive. When they moved to Innisfil it was more so. When Jimmy passed, Joanie became lost in her own world. We communicated sometimes by phone or cards but she closed herself in and never wanted visitors. We are extremely grateful to her dear friend Sue, for taking care of her and keeping us informed.
It’s sad to hear about Joanie’s passing but we believe that is what she wanted. May she now Rest in Peace.