It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Joanne Dorothy Marie Chomniak on February 13, 2024 at the age of 86.
Her children, Brian (Veronique), Louise (late Jerry), John (Rose-Ann), Terry (Patty), Gerry (Kevin) and Stephen (Heidi) have hearts full of love and admiration for a mother who gave endlessly.
She was immensely proud of all her 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, Amanda (Robert) Aofie and Conrad, Emily (Santi), Stephen (Kimberly), Lisa, Joelle (Denis) Bradyn, Cordelia, Finn and Fiona, Danielle (Peter) Nolan, Lux and Emmy, Chanelle (Max) PJ, Levi and Remi, Allison (Tony), Matthew, and Allen. She was determined to attend Allison and Tony’s wedding in September and Stephen and Kimberly’s wedding in November. She was not one to miss out on any family gathering.
She was predeceased by her father Joseph Cox (1964) and her beloved mother, Helen Fullan (1987), her older sister Camilla Metcalfe (late Lorne) and her brother Bill(late Eileen). She is survived by her younger brother Louis (Fern), who will miss sharing stories with her about growing up in Abitibi Canyon. She was loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mom was born in Toronto but spent most of her young life up north at her beloved Abitibi Canyon, from 1942-1950. The Canyon, as it was referred to, was an Ontario Hydro community where her father worked for Hydro. The family moved to Rolphton in her teen years, where she attended high school in Pembroke. Mom was an excellent athlete and won track events and was part of many school teams. She spoke fondly of a childhood that was happy and full of adventure.
She worked at the Chalk River Nuclear Power Plant where she met our father. They made a home in Deep River where her 3 oldest children were born. A move to Picton where the 3 youngest of her children were born and then onto Sault Ste Marie in 1967.
She settled into a Northern Ontario life again and always spoke proudly of “The Soo”. She spent many years as a volunteer with the YMCA as a swimming instructor. She enjoyed cross country skiing at Hiawatha Park where she introduced some of her children to this sport. She skied at Stokley Creek where she loved participating in the 30+ KM loppets. She took up Golf and enjoyed her weekly games with the ladies. Mom made sure we were enrolled in sports and music, and every day of the week she was driving us somewhere or giving us a dime for the bus. She believed in teaching us independence, that taught us how to be strong and take care of ourselves.
Mom loved classical music, and the Algoma Fall Festival was a highlight for her and bragged to anyone who would listen of the high caliber of musicians that graciously blessed “The Soo” with their talent. Mozart’s Concerto #3 for Violins was played during her final walk at Hospice Simcoe.
Mom became a Riekki Master in her 60’s. She taught Riekki and Louise was lucky enough to be one of her students. Arch Hospice was a recipient of her Riekki and she shared this healing energy with many of their residents. In 2007 she was awarded the National June Callwood Award for Hospice volunteers. Her Care Team in Hospice Simcoe regarded her as “Hospice Royalty”
In 2014, a move to Barrie to be closer to some of her children, gave her a home with her own front veranda and gardens that bloomed with the most vibrant coloured flowers.
Her final months at the Barrington Retirement Home gave her the opportunity to meet new friends and especially enjoyed her Baileys with Coffee every Saturday afternoon and her morning hot chocolate with them.
Mom was a lady who loved to help out, but did it in a quiet way, without wanting the accolades. She was smart, informative and was THE best cook. Sunday dinners always had the family sitting down together, and this tradition will continue with her children. Cheers to you mom, you were the best. We love you, always.
Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice Simcoe or Arch Hospice in Sault Ste Marie.
A Celebration of our life will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Sunday, February 25 from 12- 3pm.
We will have another celebration of her life sometime in the spring/summer months in Sault Ste Marie. Her wishes for a sendoff on her beloved Lake Superior will be announced at a later date.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com