Joan Eleanor Garbutt

GARBUTT, Joan Eleanor (nee Plumridge) Born April 25, 1935 Joan, devoted wife of 67 years to Robert (Bob), loving mother of Mark (and his wife Laurie), Kelly (and her husband Doug,) adoring Gma to grandchildren Kristin, Sarah, Megan and Jessica; proud GGma of her great-granddaughter Kenzie, passed away gently at home in her 88th year, in the evening of January 11th surrounded by family. Joan was a dutiful daughter to departed parents Harry & Winnifred Plumridge and is survived by her dear sisters Muriel Markham and Barbara Johnston and brother-in-law John Clayton, and predeceased by sister Thelma Clayton and brothers-in-law Roy Markham and Ken Johnston. She was a special sister-in-law to Bob’s siblings and Auntie Joan to many. Joan lived life with a joie-de-vivre and she loved beautiful things. Be it a lovely garden or a pretty scarf, she noticed it…and that never ever left her. She lit up the room wherever she went without putting on a show. She could tell a joke, and had a very special delivery style. A keen hockey and skating mom, she supported her children in all their undertakings throughout their lives, and encouraged her grandchildren just as much. Joan had a large circle of euchre, tennis and golfing friends who she cared deeply for and looked forward to her time together with them. Joan was the face of a busy chiropractic office for 40+ years, making patients feel better before they even got their treatment from Dr. Tom Offen. Behind the scenes, she used her organisational skills to keep the practice humming. As long as she was able, she was an engaged member of the Eastern Gates Community, where she and Bob, were both welcomed on arrival 15 years ago, and later when needed, generously supported. Many thanks to their Stouffville friends for that support, as well as to the doctors, nurses and PSW’s who cared for her in her final years. Thanks to all who offered prayers, and a special thanks to the Rev. Beth Benson for guiding her to rest. She faced life with love, courage and determination, and that was evident until the moment she left us. Rest in Peace dear Joan . In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of York would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 25th beginning at 1:30pm at the Eastern Gate Community Hall in Stouffville, followed by refreshments and reminiscing.

Joan Eleanor Garbutt

January 11, 2023