Obituary of Joan Anne Aarts

November 13, 1956-January 25, 2023

Peacefully at her home Joan (nee Dortmans) passed away surrounded by her loving partner and care giver Michael and her children.  She was a devoted mother to Steve (Julie), Colin (Shelley) and Meagan (Renee). Loving Oma to her precious grandchildren Cooper, Sam, Emry, Brennan, Caitlynn, Adalene, JayJay and Willow. Joan will be missed by her siblings Hank (Linda), Trudy (Murray), Mary (Roland), Rita (Rick) and Eileen (Kevin) and her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Harry and Nellie 1996 and her brothers Ken 2004 and Frank 2017. Joan was born and grew up on a dairy farm outside of Strathroy.  She enjoyed country farm life and the great outdoors. Her many hobbies included gardening, reading, hiking, 2 pitch baseball and cycling. Later in life she enjoyed ballroom dancing with her dance partner Michael and they were also able to do some traveling  together and with friends. Joan will be greatly missed by the Murphy and Dortmans families.  She would like to express her thanks to her loving wonderful sisters and also her amazing girlfriends which are her sisters of the heart. They were by her side throughout her life, good times and bad and especially through the last few years when  she needed their support the most. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corticobasal Degeneration Research (Alzheimer Society of Canada) or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29^th, 2023 from2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY . A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, January 30^th, 2023 at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, Strathroy at 11:00a.m. The Mass will be available through the tribute page to view virtually online. Online donations and condolences may be left to www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that peace at the close of the day

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship started, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much, good friends and times a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share it with me, God wanted me now, He set me free