Joan Kirk

1928 – 2024

Joan Helen Kirk died peacefully at the age of 96 at Errinrung Long Term Care and Retirement Community in Thornbury on November 13, 2024.  Beloved mother to Donald (late Gale Dudnick), Ian (Barbara Fisher) and Diana (Bryan Colleran) and children Tom and Madeleine “Madge”.   Predeceased by husband Malcolm “Mac” Kirk, a passionate and well known nature conservationist in the Grey-Bruce area.   From the days of raising a family in Owen Sound to her later years in Thornbury, Joan was always the centre of the Kirk household with her countless family gatherings throughout the year which often included many close friends.  This was always accompanied of course by her wonderful meals and beautiful table décor.  Floral arrangements were her specialty, and each would reflect the seasonal blooms from her enormous garden in Thornbury.  These floral arrangements also extended to community functions such as the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club and St. George’s Anglican Church in Clarksburg.  Joan loved the outdoors and was frequently on organized Bruce Trail hikes and spent many memorable years downhill skiing at Craigleith Ski Club.  Over the years Joan worked in real estate and later in several clothing boutiques, as well as a bookstore in the Collingwood and Thornbury area and was always kind and gracious to everyone she served.  That quality also endeared her to her many friends who always spoke so favourably of her generosity and compassion.   She had a flair for making a room or a dining setting – even a summer picnic spread on the deck – look so inviting.  She was a wonderful grandmother to Tom and Madeleine, especially at birthdays and Christmas.  She was everyone’s best friend and to all members of her family.  She was where everybody came to confide in their stories and secrets.  Cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be held at a later date.  Donations to be made in her honour to The Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club, The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy or a charity of their choice would be appreciated.  Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.