PAPE, Joan Catherine October 22, 1927 – January 29, 2021 Youngest child of Angela and Augustine Pape, Joan died in Toronto in her 94th year, after a short illness. Joan was predeceased by her siblings: Jim (Brother Luke, osb), Bill, Mary (Mahood), Joseph, Jack, Gertrude, David, Anne (Heenan) and Margaret (Morgan); by her sisters-in-law (Audrey, Catherine and Margaret); and by her brothers-in-law (Peter Heenan, Clyde Mahood and Merv Morgan). Joan is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families, who will all miss her dearly. As a physical therapist (University of Toronto 1949) and Arbor Award Winner in 2014, Joan was active at all levels of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), of which she was President from 1966 to 1968, and later Assistant Executive Director from 1973 to 1988.
In retirement, Joan was awarded Life Membership in the CPA. Beginning in the late 90’s, after she returned from serving as a Pastoral Administrator for a year in the Queen Charlotte Islands, Joan established the archives of the CPA and continued in this volunteer work until 2010. Joan was active in her Franciscan parish of St. Bonaventure, serving in many ministries and programs over the years after her move to Don Mills in 1976.
Joan was a loving and kind-hearted woman, always willing to lend a hand and go out of her way to welcome a newcomer to her workplace or her community. She was a very enthusiastic supporter and season ticket holder of both The National Ballet of Canada and The Canadian Opera Company. She loved theatre too, and no summer was complete without one or two trips to Stratford, usually planned well in advance.
When her older friend and fellow Stratford-lover moved out west, Joan continued to take the bus and go on her own. An avid traveller, right up to age 89, she frequently travelled to the U.S. and Europe on Opera Tours and other sightseeing adventures, to the point that she actually said that she ran out of trips that were of interest to her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic missions in Canada, The Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada, or to a charity of your choice. A small family service has been held. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held when conditions permit. To place online condolences please visit www.pauloconnorfunerals.ca