June 27, 1945 – November 24, 2025
“There is something about losing a mother that is permanent and inexpressible – a wound that will never quite heal”
It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we share the passing of the light of our family, our mom. After being diagnosed with stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma in April 2023 and being told we should expect to have no more than 12 months with her, mom sailed through more than 30 rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy with ease and grace, never letting it slow her down over the next 2.5 years while maintaining an excellent quality of life.
Born on June 27, 1945 to Doug and Doris Avery, Mom was predeceased by our dad Doug (2018) to who she was married more than 50 years. She leaves behind 3 heartbroken daughters whose lives will never be the same without her: Christine (Mike), Colleen (Kevin) and Kathleen. Also left behind are the lights of her life, her 5 grandchildren Julia (Josh), Olivia, Kaitlyn (Dan), Myles and Alexandra who will be forever grateful for the amazing Nana/Nanny they were gifted. Mom also leaves her beloved brothers John (Leonie), Gord (Lynne) and sister in-law Lin (Dieter). Predeceased by brother/sister in-laws Reg (Mill), Beryl (Lorne), Gwen (Bill), Ruth (Arlie), Dave (Janet), Peg (Frank) and Clyde (Diana) as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Best friends since childhood Shirley & Cec Norman (also cousins) as well as Paulette Hatch and Terry Paxton held a very special place in mom’s heart and we are eternally grateful for their love and support of mom over the years.
The lover of animals big and small, famous for running for her bug catching jar to capture a spider or other critter that found its way into a place they didn’t belong, they were carefully scooped up and escorted outside. A rescuer of many cats and dogs over the years who lived spoiled lives for as long as we had them. We often joked that when mom’s time came, her job in Heaven would be to look after the animals gone before her.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert El-Maraghi and his team at the RVH Cancer Centre for the amazing care mom received as well as Dr. Anna DaSilva whom without her and her careful care and follow-up, we would have lost mom a lot sooner. Though mom only spent a short time at Bethell Hospice, we will be forever grateful for their kindness, compassion and care shown to mom in her final days.
There will be a service for mom on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street South, Bolton, with visitation from 10:30 am until the memorial service begins at 11:00am, followed by interment of mom’s cremated remains at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton. Friends and family are then invited back to the funeral home for refreshments.
For those unable to attend the service in person and would like to watch via livestream either at the time of the service or at a more convenient time for yourself, please click the following link
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=6cad0a92-49bc-4bb0-99a5-692d76cd1b39
You can view the service live at the time scheduled or you can view it at a more convenient time for you. You will be required to register for the service and then they will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regards to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. If you need to leave a message on their answering machine, they will return your call promptly.
Mom always said she would prefer donations to animal welfare in her memory instead of flowers. We would be honoured if you would consider a donation in mom’s memory to Furry Friends Animal Rescue (www.furryfriendsbarrie.com) or Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary (www.bearcreeksanctuary.com) both are registered charities that held a special place in mom’s heart.
“To have been loved so deeply, even though the person is gone, will give us some protection forever” ~ J.K. Rowling
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
LeeAnne Rescorl
Dear Christine and family. My deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. May all the fond memories help carry you through this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
LeeAnne
Mary-Joan Westlake
We are all so sorry Christine to hear of Joan’s passing May she RIP.
Sending prayers & lots of love
Mary-Joan, Scott, Laurian & Patrick Westlake
Boyd and Lynn
Our deepest condolences on the loss of an amazing lady. May all her memories be with you during this difficult time.
Boyd and Lynn
Anne/Giacomo.Tonon
Christine,
Sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of a lovely Mum
Having spent some time with Joan some years ago, I will always remember her smile and quick laughter.
Jen Campbell
Big hugs to Colleen, Alexandra and all the family. Sending you lots of love during this very sad time. She will be dearly missed. XO
Nikki Barless
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family Kat. May your cherished memories of your mom put a smile on your face every time you think of her. I wish you peace and strength at this difficult time.
Jane Reed
Dear Kathleen and family. Please accept my condolences. May the beautiful memories that you hold dear in your heart bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Lona
Kathleen
My Condolences to you and your family. I pray for strength for you during these difficult times. From my family to yours we love you
Lona
Susan Carter
Hi, Christine, Colleen and Kathleen, so sorry to hear that your mom passed away. She was a lovely lady and will be missed. Many memories came flooding back to corn roasts on the farm. Much love to you all, Sue and Aunt Mil
Gord and Lynne
She was our best friend and most wonderful sister and the heart and soul of the family! We will see her smile forever.
Dale
So sorry for the loss of your mom. She is at peace now.
Carole and Dale
Pauline Bennett
Christine, Kathleen , Colleen, and all the grandchildren, our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother, and Nana Joan. She was a wonderful person, and will be greatly missed. You and your family are in our prayers. May your tears only last for a day but your love and memories of her a lifetime. Love you guys.
Giuce and Laurie Tonon
Chafe family,
Joan was so incredibly beloved and will live in your hearts forever. You can see what a wonderful mother she was to you girls as it shows in your love for your children.
She opened her arms wide open to this stranger and showed me so much love. Giuce loves her immensely and she will remain in our hearts always. Our love to all of you. Always.
Chantell
Kathleen,
With our sincerest condolences, our prayers are with you and your family.
Chantell
Betty Traynor
Christine, Colleen and Kathleen
I am saddened and so sorry to hear of your beautiful mom’s passing.
You chose a perfect photo of her. The
warmth joy and happiness shines through her soul. She is an amazing lady and will guide you from heaven where she is looking after all the animals.
As a neighbour and a dear friend I will
miss Joan. She is one of a kind , the salt of the earth , always with a great sense of humour . Love you Joan❤️May you rest in peace.
Betty and family
Dave Norman
I was so sorry to hear of Joans passing.
I’ve known Joan and Doug Chafe for most of my life about 55 or 60 years.
I always remember before they had children, Joan telling her cousin, Shirley, how excited she was to have children some day as Joan really, really loved children and was great with them.
I saw Joan and Doug many many times over the years at family events ecetera.
They were always fun times.
I remember visiting them one time at their farm near Colgan where they had just finished building their Cat House for Joans’ new business.
Also, I’ve always felt a debt of gratitude to Joan for helping me shape my and my familys life.
As a graduate of Humber College back in 1980, I had trouble finding work in my field.
I was working at Litton Systems at the time and the pay was okay but not great for buying my 1st house and raising my family.
Joan heard of this and helped me get a job in my field of electronics where she worked at Xerox Canada.
It came with superior benefits, stability and about a 30% increase in pay.
Because of this we were able to buy our 1st house 2 years later.
I wanted to share this with the Chafe family as I think it shows what a wonderful person she was although I’m sure you are already aware of that as does everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing Joan.
May she Rest in Peace.
P.S.
However, she’s with Doug now so I don’t know how much rest she will actually get.
Don’t take that wrong but that’s how Doug and I used to kid each other whenever we met up.
Ann & Stephen Bellefeuille
Joan was always so sweet and loving. She was a truly beautiful woman inside and out.
I loved hearing about her Cat House – so wonderful!
I’m comforted in the fact she’ll be reunited with Doug. Rest in peace Joan.
Karen
I have so many wonderful memories with Aunt Joan, she was beautiful inside and out. I was so happy as a little girl to be her and Uncle Doug’s flower girl. She was and is still the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen. I loved visiting our family at the farm, I loved the warmth and happiness. She was truly a caring and loving Aunt. I’m so sorry that my cousins have to go through this pain again, I love you.
Theresa Major
Christine, Colleen, Kathleen and families –
I wasn’t able to attend Joan’s service with Larry and just want to extend my condolences on your loss of a wonderful Mom and Grandma. I will remember Joan for her beautiful smile, the love she had for her family, and her kindness towards all creatures great and small. Wishing you comfort in your memories and strength in one another – Theresa Major
Janice
Dear Chris, Colleen and Kathleen, your Mum was a wonderful person with the biggest heart, that showed in her love for your Dad, daughters and the furry friends. Our family remember her fondly, and my Dad talked about her often about when they worked together when she was just a young 20 yr old. Our entire family sends you love and hope your memories of a wonderful life lived bring you all comfort. Xo Janice Ellen Trevor and family xo