Obituary of Joan Knowles

Mrs Joan Knowles passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington, on February 5, 2026 at the age of 86.

Beloved wife of the late Alan Knowles (2021). Joan was predeceased by their son Andrew Alan (1976), and her parents Stanley and Rose Mills. Survived by her sister Eileen (predeceased by her husband, Ron, 2020), niece Gillian, and cousins June, Clare, Carol, Barbara, Lawrence, nephews Gary and Keith, and cherished family and friends.

Joan was born in Salford England. Then emigrated to Canada with her family in 1973.

Joan was educated in Welling Street school until the age of 15 years. Joan emigrated to Canada in 1973 and settled in Burlington, Ontario. After losing their cherished son Andrew, Joan and Alan moved to Guelph, Ontario, where they spent the remainder of their retirement years.

Prior to leaving Worsley Manchester, Joan was employed by a local firm of solicitors Berry and Berry, as a telephone operator for many years. Once moving to Burlington, Joan held similar employment positions until her retirement.

Joan had made many friends over the years, especially through her love of sports, namely, hockey, table tennis, dancing, and more lately golf. Joan always kept in touch with their old friends including Rick & Terry on her many return visits to England. 

Joan and Alan enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida and also loved going on cruise holidays throughout the year, with their many friends including, Brian and Phyllis Prescott and Frank and Lynn. They loved spending many happy hours with her close friends, Jean and Jay, Sheila and Ray, Frank and Margaret, Alan and Lauren, Monty and Charlie, Ron and Barbara and their daughter Julie and Richard.

Joan also loved spending time with her close friends and neighbours. Jeff, Jennifer, and their two boys, Connor and Derek, Barbara, Linda, Jane and Ann.  Joan told her family what great friends and neighbours she had, and how much love, support, and care they had given to her, particularly, since the death of Alan, and her more recent Illness. We would really like to acknowledge their appreciation for all of the wonderful care, support and commitment shown to Joan by all of her friends. We will be forever grateful.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Brombal Funeral Home, 1 Delhi Street, Guelph. Visitation starting at 10:00a.m. and service beginning at 11:00a.m. Reception to follow at Springfield Golf Club, 2054 Gordon St, Guelph. A livestream of the service will be available.

Donations can be made in Joan’s memory to the Hospital for Sick Children or Hospice Wellington and would be very much appreciated by her family.