Passed away peacefully at Hillsdale Estates on October 16th, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100.
Beloved wife of the late Gerard “Gerry” Fontaine. Cherished mother of Jeannie Snyder (Peter) and the late Michael Chevalier. Dear mother-in-law of Gabe Chevalier. Loving grandmother of Peter and Cheryl.
Margaret Joan Fontaine will also be fondly remembered by her dear friends Barb and Pat Callery, with whom she shared many years of friendship.
Joan lived a remarkable life defined by compassion, independence, friendship, and an unwavering desire to care for others. A registered nurse by profession, caring came naturally to Joan. Throughout her life, she found great purpose in helping people, offering kindness, and making meaningful connections with those around her. Her nursing career reflected the very essence of who she was: a woman who genuinely cared about others and wanted to make a difference in their lives.
Joan and Gerry shared a wonderful life together, filled with adventure, travel, and experiences that took them far beyond home. Through Gerry’s involvement with the Canadian military, they had the opportunity to live and travel in many parts of the world, experiencing different cultures and ways of life. One particularly memorable chapter was the year they spent living in India, an experience that formed part of their extraordinary journey together. These years of travel and adventure added a special richness to their lives and created memories that Joan would carry with her always.
Joan was a wonderfully social person who believed in staying active, involved, and connected to her community. She had a genuine love for people and was always eager to participate, lend a helping hand, or become involved in something new. Independent and resourceful, she approached life with determination and a wonderful ability to find opportunities to remain engaged with the world around her.
Her faith and her church community were especially important to her. Joan was an active and devoted member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Oshawa, where she participated in many groups and activities over the years. She was involved with the St. Bede’s group, served as a chimer, and enjoyed the fellowship and friendships that grew from her church involvement. Her commitment to service extended well beyond the church, as she was also a member of the I.O.D.E., a lead with the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centers – Seniors Choir, member of various singing and barbershop groups and a volunteer driver with Community Care. Through these many roles, Joan continued to give her time, energy, and kindness to others.
Joan understood the importance of companionship and community, and she made a conscious effort to surround herself with people and opportunities for connection. Even later in life, she continued to seek out new experiences and friendships. Her decision to move into Wynfield Residence was another example of her independent spirit and her desire to broaden her social circle and remain involved in the activities she enjoyed.
Reaching the age of 100 was a remarkable milestone, and Joan’s life was a testament to the value of staying curious, maintaining friendships, and finding purpose in helping others. She embraced life on her own terms, remained resourceful and independent, and continued to seek out the company of others. Whether through her nursing career, her church and community involvement, or the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life, Joan made caring for others a lasting part of her legacy.
Joan will be lovingly remembered by her family, dear friends, fellow church members, and all those whose lives she touched. Her warmth, generosity, independence, and genuine affection for people will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
Memorial Celebration of Life
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service at St. George’s Anglican Church in Oshawa, a place that held such special meaning for Joan, on Saturday October 24th at 3pm. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 2pm to 3pm. Interment will follow at a later date when she will be interred with her beloved husband Gerry at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.
Memorial donations may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, Oshawa, in memory of Joan.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Armstrongfh.ca
