It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Campbell Walker-Martin, who passed peacefully and unexpectedly on March 27, 2026, at the Palliative Care Unit at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario, at the age of 84.

Born in Forest Hill on November 8, 1941, Joan lived a full and vibrant life, leaving an
extraordinary impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She treasured her early years spent cottaging on Lake Simcoe, where she formed lifelong friendships and created lasting memories. While life took her across the country, Mississauga is where she felt most at home.

She is survived by the love of her life, Douglas Martin, with whom she shared a deep and devoted bond. Joan was a proud and loving mother to her daughters, Johanne Walker (Dan MacDonald) and Marion Walker (Dave Bard).

She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren: Kassandra Arsenault (Geoff Spaeth), Alanna Arsenault, Alex Arsenault, Jonathan Rewa, and Juylia Rewa, as well as her beloved great-grandchildren Dante, Hope, and Grace.

Joan was reunited with her dear sisters, Jane Sweeney and Marion Prankie, and we find great comfort in knowing they are together again, as they loved each other deeply. She is also survived by her brother, Coulson Kleopfer of Ottawa.

Lovingly known as “Goggy” to her family and “Joanie” to many dear friends, Joan was truly one of a kind, something everyone who knew her would say. She had a remarkable ability to infuse joy, laughter, and connection into every moment, and she always knew how to have fun. Known as the “hostess with the mostess,” her home was a place of warmth, incredible food, and unforgettable gatherings. Her legendary potato salad and deviled eggs became a symbol of her love.

We continue to hear story after story of the ways she showed up for others with kindness, humour, and an open heart. Fiercely proud of her family, Joan built lasting friendships wherever she went, from Toronto to Vancouver and everywhere in between. With her, an ordinary moment could become a dance or a song in an instant. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and truly loved.

In her final days, Joan was never alone. She was surrounded by her family. She has left a profound void in so many lives, and yet her legacy lives on in the joy she created and the meals she so lovingly shared.

We are celebrating Joan’s life on Sunday, April 12th, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Turner & Porter Funeral Directors, 1981 Dundas Street West, Mississauga, Ontario L5K 2M5.

Donations
In place of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Credit Valley Hospital through the Trillium Health Partners Foundation:
https://trilliumgiving.ca/donate
Kindly note “In memory of Joan Walker-Martin – Palliative Care Unit” when donating.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team at the Credit Valley Hospital Palliative Care Unit for the kindness, compassion, and care they showed Mum and all of us.

Joan will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.