Joan Bisbee

Joan passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Barrie, Ontario, at the age of 85.

Joan Harriet Madeline Slack was born on November 22, 1940, in Saskatchewan, the third of four daughters born to Harry and Olive Slack. Although she eventually made her life in Ontario, a part of her always remained a prairie girl at heart.

In 1962 she moved to London, Ontario to begin work at General Motors Diesel, beginning the next chapter of her life. She married Robert “Bob” Bisbee in 1965, and in 1970 they headed north to eventually land in Sundridge, where they would spend more than 50 years building their life, raising their family, and becoming firmly rooted in the community.

Joan worked at Lang’s Grocery Store on Main Street before later joining Bray Motors. Many locals knew her through these roles, but even more through her community involvement and the friendships she built along the way.

Joan was affectionately referred to by her children, Mitchell (Debbie Bisbee) and Heather (Nick Briggs), as “The Mother.” The title suited her well. She was steady, sensible, and supportive, occasionally giving mock exasperation when her adult children got the giggles at inappropriate moments. She was also a proud grandmother to Emmett, Avery, and Emelia, and a beloved sister, aunt and loyal friend.

She loved books and was rarely without one on the go. Her appreciation for reading extended to supporting the Sundridge Library, where she served as a member of the Friends of the Library and on the Library Board. She also had a creative side, enjoying drawing and painting and spending time with the Burk’s Falls Arts and Crafts Club.

Joan loved travelling with her family and especially treasured trips with her best friend. She also enjoyed a good glass of wine, good company, and good conversations.

At home, she was always happy to settle in with a good British murder mystery on TV and a big bowl of popcorn. Her Christmas baking was legendary, particularly her famous “pink things” and Nanaimo squares, and the ones that her daughter now makes don’t taste quite as good.

Joan will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and the many people whose lives she quietly touched over the years. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, and the love, loyalty and support she gave to those around her.

And if there are books where she is now, we know she already has one on the go. If there are gardens, she’s puttering in them. And if there’s a glass of wine nearby, she’s probably raising it quietly to those she loved.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held in Sundridge this summer.