Peacefully, in her 72nd year, Joan passed away on January 23, 2005 at the Blind River District Health Centre after a long battle with cancer. Joan is predeceased by her parents Gordon and Marie Bilton and by her brother Leonard. She will be deeply missed by her husband Carl and her children: Sean of Toronto, Dan (Susan Derby) of Alexandria and Monica (Gerry Hawkins) of Toronto. She will be fondly remembered by her nephews: Stephen, Gordon, and James Bilton. An active member of her church, St. James the Greater, Joan was a member of the Parish Leadership Team. She participated in many parts of the liturgy. Joan was a longstanding member of the Catholic Women's League and had served as local President. Joan was a Registered Nurse and in 2004 proudly celebrated her 50th anniversary as a graduate of the Marymount School of Nursing. She will be missed by her classmates and colleagues. Joan and her family also owned and ran Bilton's camp at Chiblow Lake. She will be remembered by the many friends and guests from over the years for her graciousness and hospitality. Visitation will be held at the Menard Funeral Home in Blind River on Wednesday, January 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Blind River. The family would like to thank their many friends for their kindness during this time. A special thanks goes out to the staff of the Blind River District Health Centre for their excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, Joan requested that donations be made to the Cancer Society or the Celiac Society.
