Obituary of Joan Barbara Cotte

Passed away peacefully and painlessly (while holding Doug`s hand) on Sat., Dec. 8 at the The Hospice at Erie Shores in Leamington. Joan is survived by Doug (her husband of 57 years) and four wonderful daughters Joy (Tom), Jill (George), June (Dan), Judy (Malcolm), and four grandchildren Evan, Jonathan, Jack, and Joe. Cremation has taken place and there will be no further service, at Joan`s request. Why no further service? Because this wonderful woman has already held her Celebration Of Life! On Sept. 15 (in Kingsville) Joan had her FINAL JOURNEY PARTY----DEPARTURE DATE UNKNOWN. Joan was diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer in May and the doctors were unable to forecast her leaving time so she organized her own Final Journey Celebration while she could be around to enjoy her last visits with family and friends. It was a SPECIAL event! There were over 100 guests from Montreal to Edmonton. Joan will be remembered as a happy person that had a love for all things ART. She was one of the original founders of The Arts Society of Kingsville (she even designed the A.S.K. logo). Joan was also responsible for introducing Culture Days to Kingsville. At first she was on her own in the Culture Days adventure, but it was not very long before there were many volunteers to help her. These volunteers and A.S.K. have propelled the Kingsville Culture Days celebration to be recognized as fourth in Canada for small towns. Many thanks to all of our friends who have been so helpful over the past several months. And, to the incredible staff at The Hospice of Erie Shores, thank you for keeping myself and my family somewhat up-beat and in touch with the reality of the situation! If anyone wishes to donate anything in Joan`s memory---please think of the Hospice.