Joan Jessie Rutherford (nee. Campbell), beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at the age of 73, after a fast decline due to Alzheimers and Dementia. She was born on May 22, 1951, in Kapuskasing, ON, Canada, and most recently resided in Kirkland Lake, ON, Canada.
Joan was a military wife for 30 years who spent her life travelling across Canada and abroad, supporting her husband and creating a loving home for her family.
Her favorite hobbies included crochet, which she engaged in often creating beautiful baby outfits for many people, and never ceased to get compliments from anyone she made them for. She also enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Scrabble, and Hand and Foot Canasta (when the whole family was around). Joan had a special fondness for spaghetti and enjoyed listening to Elvis, her favorite musical artist.
As a hairdresser and night security guard, Joan touched the lives of many with her warm heart and infectious sense of humor. She had an uncanny ability to find humor in any situation, and her favorite quotes, "Get a life" and "Give your head a shake," always brought smiles to those around her.
Joan's proudest accomplishment was her role as a devoted wife and mother. She stood by her husband, John David Rutherford (1949-2020), through countless moves and supported her daughters, Kimberly and Cynthia, with unwavering love. Joan adored her grandson, Jayden John Rutherford-Marleau, and cherished memories of her late granddaughters, Brieanna and Serenity, who are now with her in heaven. She also celebrated the joy of being a great grandmother to Alexis Maria Joan Rutherford-Ferreira.
Joan predeceased by her twin sister Joyce Stella Roy (nee Campbell), and her brother Robert Campbell, and is survived by her sister, Della Tuuri (Ken) and her nieces Estelle (Collin Hachey) and Karen Tuuri-Trepanier and her nephews Kevin, and Kenny Tuuri as well as many great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is further survived by her brother and sister-in-law Bob and Joan Rutherford of Kitchener, ON. Her memory will forever be treasured by her family and friends. Her infectious laughter and unique perspective on life will be deeply missed. She also leaves behind her cherished friends Sharon and Peter Matijek, and countless others.
A Roman Catholic by faith, Joan found solace in her spirituality throughout her life. Her favorite place in the world was her hometown, a symbol of comfort and familiarity.
In her passing, Joan leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and laughter. She made a lasting impact on the lives of those she encountered, and her memory will continue to bring joy to all who knew her. Rest in peace, dear Joan.