Mrs. Joan Lareine Crane (nee, Sklapsky)

Surrounded by her family, it is with great sorrow and sadness we announce the death of our loving Mother, Joan Lareine Crane on Monday, June 1, 2015 at home in her 73rd year. God’s gain is our loss. Joan was a woman who was well loved and deeply respected as a role model and a “rock” for many. She was retired from working 26 years for Kodak Canada, where as a labourer, she was President of the Employee Association for many years and continuously fought for the rights of workers. Toward her retirement, one year she was voted the most recognized woman in Kodak. Joan was someone who family, friends and colleagues would go to for wise advice, support and to be heard by a compassionate listener. She made a difference in so many people’s lives daily. Joan always had a big tender smile to share, a twinkle in her deep beautiful dark brown eyes that always shone and she knew the value of belly laughter and living with a good sense of humour. As described by her family and those who had the good fortune to have known her, Joan was an honest, confident, unique, special, strong, spicy individual who would speak her mind and tell the truth to what was happening. Joan would never pass up an adventure, including the CN Tower Edgewalk, hot air ballooning over Napa Valley and enjoying the excitement of an African safari in Kenya, all during her last few years. She embraced and loved life and she loved fun, but her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Joan will be mourned by her husband of 50 years Donald Crane and 3 children, Donna Crane of Saskatoon, Michael Crane of Toronto, Jason Crane (Lisa Crane) of Bolton. Her two granddaughters, Sophie and Emily, will forever miss their “nana”, they were the apple of Joan’s eye, her inspiration and gave her strength all these years. Others in her extended family and wider community will miss her passion and joy for life. A Celebration of Life will be held June 28, 2015 from 1pm to 5pm at Wellspring Chinguacousy (5 Inspiration Way, Brampton, ON, L6R 0L7). Private interment will take place at a later date. We wish to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff at various organizations including William Osler Hospital in Brampton and Brameast Family Health Organization for such excellent care provided to our Mother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wellspring Chinguacousy, an organization where our Mother found great fulfillment (www.wellspring.ca/chinguacousy). Wellspring provides support, coping skills, and education at no charge to individuals, family members and professional caregivers living with cancer.