It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of June Irene Saanum (nee Harris) in Mississauga on November 1, 2023, at the age of 92.
Predeceased by her beloved husband, George, her daughter Kristin, and her brother Gordon Harris (Lillooet, BC). Loving mother of Kathryn (Brian Wilcox). Dear grandmother of Kari Wilcox (William Powell) and Daniel Lachance (Catherine Ferland) and great-grandmother of Jacob and Abigael Lachance.
June is also survived by her sister Beverly Stauffer (Lorrie) of Campbell River, BC.
June was born in Montreal where she spent her childhood years and completed High School. Her family then moved to Massawippi, Quebec. She attended Stanstead College in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. It is here that she fell in love with George, an associate professor (scandal!). Promising to love each other “forever and ever”, they were married in 1951. They settled in Sherbrooke, Quebec. June proudly ran the business office of the Quebec Rayon Knitting Mills while teaching Sunday School at the local Anglican Church of the Advent. She then became a full-time mother to her 2 beautiful daughters.
In 1967, they relocated to Ontario. While residing in Ottawa, June volunteered often at the YWCA’s daycare program. Their retirement years were spent near Iroquois, Ontario, and later in Peterborough.
June was a bright, curious, very determined woman with a deep love of family, a gardener extraordinaire, and a fabulous cook (especially desserts – cherry cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, maple walnut squares, peach, apple, or rhubarb pie, to name a few) and an avid reader. Always on top of current events, she immensely enjoyed debating politics.
Memorial donations may be made to any charity helping children in need.