Obituary of Joan Elizabeth Carlaw

Carlaw, Joan Elizabeth (nee) Jennings

1958 – 2017

Joan passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at St. Mary’s General Hospital with her family surrounding her.  Her incredible spirit while struggling with ALS will long be remembered.  Her family remained her focus throughout her illness.  She leaves her loving husband, Bruce of 31 years and dear sons Jeff (Amy-Lee Jenken), Kevin and Scott (Erin Harvey).  

Joan was raised in Kingston, Ontario by the late Emerson Jennings and Edna (Folliott) Jennings.  She grew up with two rough and tumble brothers.  She was the dear sister of Don (Teena and their children, Sean and Heather) and Bruce (Cathy and their children Colin, Adam and Sarah).  She will also be remembered by her very special Aunt Marion Folliott.

She chose to attend the University of Guelph, where she received her Bachelor of Social Work degree.  She began her professional career as a social worker in the Region of Waterloo and quickly surrounded herself with many friends.  Her friendships were always very important to her.  With her marriage to Bruce, she gained a family with whom to raise their children, celebrate holidays, go camping and spend all days in between.  Her Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Betty and Jim, predeceased Joan.  She is sadly missed by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Sharon Carlaw (and the late Don Sawyer and their children, the late Shane and April), Gloria Magier (Rick and their children, Michael, Chad (Melanie Petersen) and Andrea) and Roger Carlaw (Judith and their children, Cherise (Filip Schmied) and Ian). 

Joan loved camping.  Every year she anticipated her camping vacations with friends and family, thus keeping wonderful traditions alive.  Family photos show the children growing up on the beaches of Killbear and the Pineries.  Today, the children remain committed to these camping trips, many bringing the next generation with them.

Joan’s life was made richer by being a member of the Woman’s Awareness Group (WAG).  She really enjoyed her membership at Good Life Fitness Club.  She loved her moody (but loveable) cat, Marlie.

Joan’s family would like to thank their cherished friends who have shown so much compassion throughout Joan’s illness.  Words cannot convey how much their care and support meant to them.  Also, a heart-felt thank you to Kim Fischer, Joan’s personal support worker.  Thank you for the conscientious and loving care that you provided.  Thank you to the I.L.C. for initiating this relationship. Thank you to Dr. Harlick, Dr. Yew and Julie Fisher, N.P. for the thoughtful management of Joan’s needs.  Thank you to the Respiratory Nursing Team and Dr. Hentschel and Dr. Ho at St. Mary’s.  Finally, thank you to Dr. Shoesmith, Clinical Neurologist in London.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Joan with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. Reception to be held in the Fireside Room of the funeral home following interment.

Condolences for the family and donations to the ALS Society of Canada may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.