Vilma was born February 27, 1929, in Toronto, daughter of the late John and Gladys Strong. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Walter Jerome Mannering.

Vilma’s earliest years were spent in her family home in Toronto. A smart young girl, Vilma skipped two grades in high school. She and her friend Evelyn were lifelong friends and Evelyn became her bridesmaid when Vilma married Walter in 1952. Together Vilma and Walter enjoyed a full and happy marriage. They loved dancing, spending time at Wasaga Beach with friends and touring on their motorcycle. With the arrival of Donna and Susan, Vilma and Walter created a loving family home in Scarborough where their daughters grew up. Vilma and Walter nurtured a love of God and church as their family grew strong together. Their love for the Lord developed throughout the years and gave them focus and meaning. During these years Vilma was an avid birdwatcher and gardener. Vilma joined the church badminton club and faithfully attended on Monday nights. She was the church secretary for many years and was fulfilled in her work to the fullest. Vilma was a voracious reader and always had a book in her hand and her dog by her side.

Later in life Vilma and Walter moved north to Huntsville where they could enjoy a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature and beauty. Walter played in the church band and Vilma continued to pursue her love of art, attending art classes and exhibitions. Eventually they moved to Whitby to be closer to family and Vilma made new and kind friends. Following Walter’s passing in 2005, Vilma’s family, her garden, her dog Maggie and her art classes kept her busy and content. She spent many happy and healthy years in her new home in Whitby. Her later years saw her take trips to Florida with family, attend church, and become “Gigi” and “Gramma Vilma”, and “Daddy’s Gramma” to her great-grandchildren. Faith in the Lord carried her through her lifetime. She lived a clean and simple life marked by grace, humility, gentleness, kindness and forgiveness.

Most people have the same name throughout their lives but Vilma slowly became known as Joan (her first name), when her great-granddaughter was born and was given the name “Mila Joan”.

In her final days, God’s gracious provision for Joan was her Strathaven Nursing home family, where she received compassion and love from the nursing staff.

Joan is survived by two daughters, Donna Louise McKinnon (Monty) of Newmarket and, Susan Lee Walton (Andrew) of Whitby and 7 grandchildren; Chris (Ashley), Jennifer (Tony), Emily (Matthew), Peter (Janice), Michael, Matthew (Alanna, ’Lanny’), and Mark.

She leaves 15 great-grandchildren; Luca, Leo, Stella, Eva, Zippora, Lilianna, Benjamin, Sophia, Juliana, Isla, Gabriella, Aria, Jack, Desmond and Mila Joan. She also leaves her niece Victoria and dear friends Gail and Patricia.

There will be a private graveside family gathering on Friday May 9th, 2025 at Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Walter. Dwight Anderson, her pastor and friend will officiate with a special solo by her great-granddaughter Eva Santorelli.

OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME