Joan passed away peacefully with her family by her side, in Toronto on Sunday May 11th, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Loving wife of John Popelas, cherished mother of Ken and Christine, Kathy, Jane and Harvey (2001), Greg, Michelle and Grant and John and Noreen.
Adored grandmother of Celeste and Rob, Jessica and Mark, Jack, Alexander, Kendra, Holden, Grace, Will, Ava, Joseph, Mia, Leo and LouLou.
Joan was predeceased by her parents John and Mary White, sisters Marlene (1967), Mary Lou (2003), Patricia (2004) and Bill (1994) and brother Edwin (2007). Joan is survived by her siblings, Sister Mary Carmel, Reverend Francis White, Jack and Marilyn all of London, Pat and Joan of St. Catharines, Jim and Rita of Forest and Elaine and David of Ireland. Joan was born on July 18th, 1931 in Stratford, Ontario. Joan and John married in London, moved to Tilbury and later relocated to Kingsville where they settled and raised their active family.
They were married for 55 wonderful years and she will always be remembered as a devoted wife and exceptional mother. Her full life centered around her 6 children and her 13 grandchildren, dedicating herself to their many activities and watching with great pride as their own wonderful lives evolved. Always shunning the spotlight, few people knew that Joan was accomplished at many things. She was a magical baker, a wonderful gift passed down from her mother and in turn to her children and grandchildren. Gifted with her hands, she had a talent for needlework. Her labours of love were cherished and loved by many over the years. Joan enjoyed her garden and was an enthusiastic golfer, a sport she came to later in life, that she happily shared with John and her close circle of friends as members of the Kingsville Golf and Country Club.
She lead by example and actively volunteered for various charities. Joan was a member and past president of the Catholic Women's League, a 30 year volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, and a member of the Leamington Parkinson's Support Group.
Joan will be remembered above all else for her strong faith, humility, thoughtfulness and love of friends and family.
Friends may call at C. Stuart Sykes Funeral Home, 91 Division St. South, Kingsville, Ontario (
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday May 15th at St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Church, 67 Main St. East, Kingsville, Ontario.
Reception to follow in the parish hall. Donations may be made to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, (
