Joan passed away in the manner she wished, at home by the lake in Oakville, surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Monday December 15, 2008. She faced her battle with Myasthenia Gravis with her infinite strong will and determination. Joan was born in Montreal May 8, 1927 and raised in the Forest Hill neighbourhood of Toronto. She attended Forest Hill School and continued her love of learning at McMaster University. Her caring attributes guided her through a BSc in Nursing, graduating in 1952. Joan married Keith Phillips in 1952 and moved to Oakville where they raised their four children. She taught them by example, the importance of giving to their community by volunteering in many associations, in particular the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. It was there that she began the Candy Striper program and chaired the committee of the annual fundraiser, The Candlelight Ball. In the early 1970's Joan poured her creative talents into the Silver Thimble Needlepoint Shop which began in the basement of her family home and continued for almost 30 years at the "little house" at 64 Rebecca Street in Oakville. It was here that she nurtured life long friendships all over the world with her contagious enthusiasm and supportive teaching. Every summer, she transported her needlework passion to the beaches of Kennebunk, Maine. She created a wonderful beach house where all her family and friends could gather…and gather they did! A dining room table that could seat 22 was more often than not, full. Joan leaves her children Patty, Stephen (Cheryl), Lois Smith (Lawrence), Kate Owen (Mike) and her grandchildren Mark, Lindsay and Stephen Blaxland, Ellen and Margot Phillips, Martha and Carter Smith and Brooke and Taylor Owen. A heartfelt thank you is extended for the care received by Joan from the outstanding medical and personal care workers who were part of her life over the past year. Special thanks to Dr. Martha Graham and Dr. Grahame Owen for their care and support for the family. Visitation will be held at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block east of Kerr, 905-844-2600) on Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm. A celebration of Joan's life will take place at St. Jude's Church, 160 William Street, Oakville on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the Oakville Golf Club, 1154 Sixth Line, Oakville. Cremation. Donations to the Oakville Hospital Foundation www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com or a charity of your choice are appreciated. Flowers are gratefully declined.