ELIZABETH ORR,Joanne Elizabeth Orr

With profound sadness and immense love, the family of Joanne announces her passing on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), surrounded by her beloved family. Joanne, aged 69, departed this life after a long and courageous journey through chronic illness, carried with the same grace and resilience that defined every day of her life.

Born on March 25, 1956, in Sault Ste. Marie, Joanne grew up surrounded by the love of her parents, Joseph and Verna Twentyman, and her siblings. From a young age, she showed a gentle heart and a nurturing spirit—qualities that grew only stronger throughout her life. Those who knew Joanne will remember her not for the challenges she faced, but for the unwavering courage and compassion with which she met them.

Joanne’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, kindness, and devotion. She was a woman of quiet strength—never seeking attention yet always being the steady source of comfort and encouragement for others. Even in the face of pain, she continued to find joy in the little things: the soft notes of her favourite music, the comfort of a good book, the warmth of a movie night, and the laughter shared with her loved ones. She had an artist’s soul, finding peace in toll painting and creative expression, and a heart that delighted most in the company of her grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and joy.

To her family, Joanne was the very definition of love. She is survived by her devoted husband David, with whom she shared a bond of enduring love and partnership. Together they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and unconditional care. She will be forever cherished by her two beautiful daughters, Melanie and Colleen (Mark), and her adored grandchildren Kyrstin, Taylin, Peyton, Noah, Keegan, and Kynlee, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Joanne also extended her love beyond her immediate family, embracing her adopted daughters Denise (Shawn), with her girls Sckylar and Mya, and Rachel (Larry), with their children Breanna, Brooklynn, and Tyler, as well as her adopted great-granddaughter Savannah. Her love knew no bounds; her home and her heart were always open.

She is survived by her brother Terry (Dawn) and sister Laurie (Keith), and will be remembered fondly by her mother-in-law Norma Orr, her brother-in-law Joel (Ginette), and by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were enriched by her warmth. Joanne is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Verna, her brother Bruce, her father-in-law Thomas Orr, and many beloved aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the many caregivers who walked alongside Joanne on her journey—whose compassion, patience, and dedication brought comfort and dignity to her days. A heartfelt thank-you is extended to Community Paramedic Shawna, nurses Naomi and Cindy from ParaMed, and personal support workers Tabitha and Billie-Jo from CBI Home Health, whose tender care meant so much. The family is especially grateful to Alana and Kat from CBI Home Health for their thoughtfulness and understanding during the times when extra help was needed.

The family also wishes to extend a special thank-you to the staff and volunteers at ARCH, whose compassion and kindness made Joanne’s final months peaceful and filled with love. Joanne spoke often of the comfort she felt in their care and held many of them close to her heart—her “favourites,” as she called them with a smile.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will come together to honour the beautiful life of a woman who touched so many. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ARCH or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Though Joanne’s body grew weary, her spirit never wavered. Her legacy is one of love, courage, and resilience—a reminder to face life’s hardships with grace and to cherish every small, beautiful moment. Her strength will live on in the hearts of those she loved, and her light will continue to shine through every life she touched.