Joan Donovan (née Sparling)

It is with immense sorrow that the family of Joan Donovan (née Sparling) announce her passing on October 26, 2026. Joan passed away in the Transitional Care Centre of the Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, she was married to the love of her life Ronald Donovan on the 10th of January, 1959, in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Predeceased by both her parents George and Gertrude (Wall) Sparling, her younger sister Darlene Sparling MacVicar, and her brothers Colin Sparling, George Sparling and Rollie Sparling.

She is survived by her sisters Korena Sparling (Ken Hanson), Dolores Fifield, Carol Ann Sparling, and her brothers Gregory Sparling (Shirley) and John Sparling (Mary) and many nieces, nephews and God children who she loved deeply.

Truly a love story of old, Joan leaves behind and was devoted to her loving husband of 67 years. Her four children that she was so very proud of, George, Rhonda (Michael Quevillon), Dan (Karen Temple-Donovan), and Rachael (Serge Desjardins) are left with saddened hearts at her passing.

Joan also leaves behind a legacy of nine grandchildren who brought great joy to her and all of whom will miss her dearly. Zachary Quevillon (Tori Mcintyre), Erin Quevillon; Mackenzie Donovan, Maddie Donovan, Haley Donovan; Jesse Desjardins, Jeremy Desjardins; Taylor Donovan, Jordan Donovan; and her beautiful great-granddaughter Daphne Grainger Quevillon.

As her Ronnie was a member of the RCAF and Canadian Forces, they left for France following their marriage in the winter of 1959. For the next 37 years, they lived and travelled extensively throughout Canada and abroad, including as representatives of Canada in the Netherlands (Brunssum) and the former Soviet Union, where her husband served as the Canadian Forces Defence Attaché.

Over the course of her life, Joan was a devoted mother to her children while also working in accounts and administrative management in the private sector as well as for the provincial and federal government. As a young mother, Joan convinced her boss to let her work in the evenings to do the store’s accounts so that she could be there for her children in the day. She created ‘alternate work arrangements’ over 55 years ago – it just took governments and corporations a while to catch up. She was a role model throughout her career advocating for women’s rights in the workforce, taking issues to Members of Parliament, Ministers and the media when needed to right the wrongs. A gourmet cook and fantastic baker, when not setting the world right, Joan loved entertaining family, friends and colleagues with Ronnie in their home. In her quiet time, being a beautiful writer and with a flair for poetry, Joan captured some of her deepest feelings for others in her poems.

Joan’s grace and compassion touched many friends and colleagues, leaving a lasting impression on those around her. At her core, Joan cared deeply and loved unconditionally. She was happiest with her Ronnie surrounded by her family.

A celebration of life service in honour of Joan will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario on November 3, 2026. Visitation is from 11am to 1pm. A Catholic Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 1pm, followed by a reception where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and celebrate Joan’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County (Support from Dementia Society of Ottawa | The Dementia Society) or to Together We Stand Foundation (https://www.twsfoundation.ca/) in memory of Joan Donovan.