Joanne Guillemette
Some people are deeply loved by those closest to them. Joanne seemed to belong to everyone.
She was the person people gravitated toward: the nucleus of her family, the magnet in every room, and the steady centre of gravity for more people than she likely ever realized. She was everyone’s favourite, though somehow, she had a way of making each of us feel as though we were hers.
The great love of Joanne’s life was Norm. For 40 years, they shared a marriage, a family, and a life-built side by side. To call Norm simply her husband feels inadequate. He was her person, her partner, and her home. Forty years gave them a lifetime of memories, but it was nowhere near enough. With a love like theirs, no amount of time ever could have been.
Together, Joanne and Norm built a life filled with love and warmth, with their family at the heart of everything they did. Joanne was a loving mother to Melanie, Eric (Jessika), and Chantal (Jason). Being Memère to Théo and Léa brought Joanne a joy unlike any other, and she treasured the special place she held in the lives of Colton and Kaelan. She adored them all, and each of them will carry her love for the rest of their lives.
Joanne was predeceased by her father, Armand, and leaves behind her beloved mother, Rhea and her siblings, Shirley (Clarence), Richard (Marguerite), Donald (Carole), and Linda (Randy). Predeceased by her in-laws, Claude and Annette, she leaves behind Norm’s siblings, Diane (Marc), Denis (Linda), André (predeceased), Gisèle (Marc, predeceased), Louise, Angèle (Charles), and generations of nieces and nephews, each with their own treasured relationship with “matante Jo”. They were all so special to her, and she made certain they knew it.
Joanne’s world was also made richer by a vibrant, fiercely close group of friends who had been part of her life for many, many years. They travelled together, celebrated together, threw the very best parties, and accumulated the kind of stories that can only be earned through decades of friendship. They shared a bond filled with laughter, loyalty, adventure, and an enormous amount of love - and maybe a shot or two over the years.
Joanne did not merely occupy a place in our lives. She created the place where the rest of us belonged. People gathered around her because life felt better there. Her love was generous, her presence unmistakable, and the space she leaves behind is impossible to fill.
Joanne lost her father at a young age and has felt his absence ever since. While letting go seems impossible, there's a small comfort in knowing she has now reunited with him and finally has all the time she was denied.
There are people whose absence changes the shape of a family. Losing Joanne will be felt forever.
Bien qu'elle nous ait quittés, sa mémoire sera gravée à tout jamais dans nos pensées et son amour continuera de guider nos pas. Nous t'aimerons pour toujours, Jojo.
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A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the family home located at 72 Ninovan Road East in Callander. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the extraordinary life and love Joanne shared with us.
Those wishing to honour Joanne’s memory with a donation may contribute to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be shared at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
