Joan M. Walimaki

Joan Walimaki 1938-2026

On April 4, 2026, Joan passed peacefully at home in Guelph with her husband and family by her side.

She is survived by her husband Don, her daughters Karin (Gary) Parkin, Kristen Smith, and Laura (Don) Bowman, and her granddaughters Hannah and Naomi. She was predeceased by her parents Gertrude and Jack Gates of Sault Ste. Marie.

Joan earned a degree in English Literature from Algoma University, and greatly enjoyed the years she spent there as a sessional instructor. Joan loved to read, travel the world, cook and entertain, and spend summers at cottages. Her favourite times in the last 20 years were summers spent at McCarrel Lake with her beloved granddaughters.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will follow at a later date in Sault Ste. Marie.

Those wishing to make a donation in Joan’s memory may consider the Algoma University scholarship fund. 

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Joan M. Walimaki in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.