Joanne M. Morant

MORANT, Joanne (nee Parker) – Was born in Hamilton on January 14th, 1955 to Barbara Parker and Howard Parker. She was the older sister to two brothers, John (Sandie) and David (Maria). Her father passed away in 1994, but her dear mother passed away just over a year ago. Joanne was a devoted, loving daughter to Barbara (“Babs”) driving down to Ancaster almost every Sunday to visit & bring Babs her very favourite things. Joanne is survived by her husband (Paul Morant), and his family, her two beloved sons, Rob Aspinall (Karen Houle) and Stephen Aspinall (Emily Quinton) and many nieces and nephews and cousins. She had two very spoiled dog grandchildren (Nookers and Shepody).

Joanne loved to be with family and friends: she made it happen regularly by being a fantastic host. Having a full home was her happy place. Anyone who has had the pleasure of a Thanksgiving dinner, an Easter dinner or (especially) Christmas Eve at Joanne & Paul’s house will know of the pleasure she took in hosting. Her house was comfortable and beautiful. She made everyone feel truly welcome: even last-minute additions to the guest list! Her eyes would twinkle seeing everyone devour her classic appetizers, brought out one after the other after the other, and watching everyone open their “Santa bags” which were, yes, stuffed with all our favourite things. Somehow she had gifts for everyone, yes, even those last-minute party crashers. And their kids. And their dogs.

She loved food, especially a good fish & chips, camping at Rockwood in the RV, a crisp glass (or two) of Chardonnay, theatre, music, art, antiques and crafts. When her boys were young, she took them on many adventures and drove them around to their sports and activities. She was a proud mother, cheering from the stands, always championing their ambitions and then shouting their achievements from the rooftops. She was a wicked knitter! Jo was never not knitting! Her giant crush on Newfoundland found an outlet in her creation of absolutely gorgeous saltwater socks and trigger-thumb mittens, knit with wool she had imported from, yes, you guessed it, The Rock.

She was such a model “community member”: passionately and vocally supporting local businesses and local people. She was kind and thoughtful and unpretentious. Apparently even in the hospital when she was terribly sick, she was helpful and kind. Jo cared deeply for others, no matter if they were blood kin or night nurses or wait staff or new folks at Action Read, where she worked – but for her it was more than work – from 2010 until 2025.

Joanne served as the One-to-One Coordinator at Action Read Community Literacy Centre in downtown Guelph, where her compassion and dedication deeply touched the lives of hundreds of adult learners, volunteers and families. In this role, she was often the first face people encountered -someone who knew instinctively how to make others feel welcome and reassured. She could transform the anxiety and fear that so many carried into that first meeting into a warm, uplifting encounter where learners felt safe, valued, and full of hope, sometimes for the very first time.

She openly shared stories about her personal journey as a single mom or as someone who went back to school and changed careers in her mid 50s, which inspired and connected with people at a whole new level – while always maintaining focus on the learner and listening closely to their stories and words. Her ever-thoughtful and practical approach to every aspect of her job made her tremendously effective and empowered individuals to overcome lifelong learning barriers.

Joanne was a mentor, a connector, and a visionary -always the Girl Scout Ranger, quick to roll up her sleeves and go above and beyond, whether that meant accompanying a learner to a daunting appointment, helping them sort out a complex problem in their lives, or organizing vibrant community-building projects like game nights, the famous Christmas Turkey Dinner for all the learners and their families at the Dublin Street Church, many celebrations, workshops and art projects. Her impact extended across the Guelph community, where she was recognized as a passionate ambassador for literacy and inclusion among her colleagues at other agencies, and by her winning both a United Way Speakers Award in 2015 and a “Woman of Distinction Award” in 2019. Through every workshop she led, volunteer she mentored, and life she touched, Joanne left a legacy of kindness, focus, resilience, utmost competence, and unwavering belief in the potential of every person. Her steady presence and incredible work ethic made all the staff and all the learners feel stronger, more capable, and more connected.

As a wife, mother, sibling, colleague or friend, Joanne was the best of us -thoughtful and generous beyond words, endlessly creative, clear and to the point with her words, and always quick to crack a joke, often at her own expense. She had everyone’s back & brought us together on countless occasions. To say that she will be profoundly missed does not come close to capturing it, but the light she sparked in so many others will continue to burn brightly.

A Celebration of Life for Joanne Morant will be held on Sunday, May 25th, from 2-5pm at the Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St. Guelph. Just across the street from Action Read.

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

Donations to ACTION READ can made in Joanne’s name.

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