With heavy hearts the family of Joan Hughes announce her passing on September 14, 2022, with her family by her side at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital following a brief illness.
Joan was born on February 1, 1942, in Emo, Ontario, to Margaret (nee Daw) and Lloyd Jewell. Joan grew up on the family farm, along with her brothers Fred and Keith. Mom lived her entire life in the Emo and Devlin area.
On July 20, 1963, Joan married Lewis Hughes. They had three daughters Kathy, Shelley and Leisa.
Lewis and Joan made their home in Devlin, Ontario, and farmed together until Lewis’ passing.
Mom was a home maker and sewed many matching outfits for herself and the girls for special occasions. Mom also enjoyed reading, knitting, canning and baking.
Mom was a member of the Devlin TOPS #3019 Chapter for many, many years, where she made
numerous life long friends. She was also a 4-H leader for a number of years.
After Lewis’ passing in 1992, mom remained on the farm until she met Gerald Gamie and the two became inseparable. Wherever one was the other one was close by. They each gained an extended family which included many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The two of them had many close friends and neighbours and were always up for a cup of coffee and a visit. Mom enjoyed many years travelling with Gerald to stock car races near and far. They also enjoyed attending the Lakers hockey games as well as her grandsons’ hockey games.
Mom was extremely proud of her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ many accomplishments.
Joan will be lovingly remembered by her spouse Gerald Gamie; daughters Kathy (Joe) Bodnar, Shelley (Scott) Hughes and Leisa (Les) Hughes-Junkala; stepsons Brian (Sandy) Gamie and Alex (Dorothy) Gamie; grandchildren Joe, Cody (Haley), Ryan (Jasmine) Bodnar, Jeff (Sam), Derrick, Alex Gustafson, Jordan, Zackary, McKenzie Hughes-Junkala, Mason Gamie, Colton and Abby Gamie; great-grandchildren Jacob and Jillian Bodnar; brother Fred Jewell; sister-in-law Geri Jewell; brothers-in-law Allan Hughes and Irwin (Elaine) Hughes; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her husband Lewis Hughes; parents Margaret and Lloyd Jewell; brother Keith Jewell; sister-in-law Beverley Jewell; brother and sister-in-law Norbert and Irene Bragg; and sister-in-law Marge Hughes.
Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.
A service for Joan will be held at the Devlin Hall on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. Emo, Ontario.
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Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
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SOMEBODY’S MOTHER
She never had an unkind word
To speak about her neighbour.
But sewed, and cooked, and mended socks,
And all her homey labours.
I never could quite get the hang
Of the home made bread she’d bake,
Or those chewy molasses cookies,
And the gingerbread men she’d make.
An enemy to none, but always as a friend,
To those in need of comfort,
A helping hand she’d lend.
Her life was spent in doing good.
She got her joy from giving,
Of the best she ever had.
Each year we set aside a day
To honour those we love
Whether she be still among us,
Or in that great home above.
No one can really take her place –
There really is no other;
The one we take for granted –
The one we call, “my mother”.
