Joan (Benson) also called Joanie, Mom, Yam, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and child of God, woke up in Heaven on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the age of 68, after a diagnosis of glioblastoma in December 2017. Beloved wife of 50 years to Roger. Much loved Mom of David Mitchell (Kelly), Jennifer Peister (Jeffrey) and Laurie Leung (David). Adored Yam of Elijah and Kendall, Joel, Gregory & Ryan, Liam, Matthias, Benjamin and Henry. She will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joan was born April 23, 1950 to Harry and Gladys Benson. Sister to Bob (Carol), the late Gerald (Lorna), John (Ruth), Elizabeth Bongolan (Lorenzo), Carol Lorenzo (Steven), Janet Hagerman (Ken).
Joan married Roger, son of Bud and Stella Mitchell. Sister-in-law to the late Sharon Clark (Ace), Rhonda Smith (Cliff), Bev, Tom (Tammy) and Brian (Monica). Joan worked for Co-Operators Insurance when first married, then stayed home with the kids for a time, returning to work as Church Secretary at First Baptist Church. After surviving breast cancer, her motto became “Every Day is a Gift” and so she retired and enjoyed travelling and time at Rock Lake with the love of her life. Spending time with her family and friends was very important to her. Joan also found time to volunteer at the Sault Area Hospital Foundation office.
Joan (Mom) had a song for everything, so here is one last song from her:
🎶 What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
When I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace,
When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land,
What a day, glorious day that will be. 🎶🎶
The family would like to give special thanks to all the staff and volunteers at ARCH for the care and compassion extended to Joan. We arrived as strangers and leave as family. Our thanks also to all the Doctors, Nurses and Support Staff that have helped us along the way. And finally, to all our friends and family who have come alongside us since Mom’s diagnosis, we are grateful beyond measure for all of you. Friends are invited to visit the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E, 705-759-2522) on Sunday August 26, 2018 from 2pm – 4pm and 6pm - 8pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at First Baptist Church (465 Albert St. E) on Monday August 27, 2018 at 11 am with Rev. John Blackman officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ARCH Hospice or Sault Area Hospital Foundation.