Joanne MacLean

Joanne MacLean, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020. Born in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, Joanne graduated from the Ottawa Civic Hospital School of Nursing and went on to earn her Diploma in Public Health from the University of Ottawa. Joanne and her husband, Donald MacLean, were married on November 15, 1969. Always one to put family first, she willingly moved around the country in support of her husband’s career. Joanne truly enjoyed working in the Public Health field for 32 years in Ottawa, Moncton, and Toronto. She was a thorough professional and advised many friends and relatives over the years for a variety of ailments. 

However, Joanne’s greatest joy in life was her family. Although her children, Ian and Heather, live on opposite coasts and in different countries, she managed to stay close to both of them through long weekly phone calls. A devoted grandmother, Joanne especially loved spending time with her four grandchildren. She also loved reading and dancing. She and her husband, Don, won many dance contests while cruising the world together with friends. An attentive listener, she was always one to engage in conversation and easily made new friends. Joanne will be remembered for her strong, independent, and compassionate nature as well as her dedication to family.

Joanne was predeceased by her parents Émile and Edna Bélanger and her brother, Robert Bélanger. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald J. MacLean, her children Ian (Irma) MacLean and Heather (Kevin Avery) MacLean and grandchildren Rachel, Cameron, Matthew, and Conor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has
requested donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.