Joanne Catherine Keates
March 25, 2026
KEATES, Joanne Catherine - Passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Born on May 1, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. (O) Donovan and Ada Mary Quince. Survived by her sister Ada and was predeceased by her Donovan siblings, Terrence, Iris, John, Beth, Irene, Sally and Adele.
Born in Toronto, and raised on the Danforth, Mom moved to Parry Sound in the early 1960’s with her late husband Tom. It is where they raised three children: Brad (Joanne), Joanne (Ken) and Nick (Kate). She is remembered by her grandchildren, Matt, Laura, Jon, Fisher and great-grandchildren, Callie and Carter.
Joanne was a busy woman. After high school, in the 1950’s she worked as a teller and in the vault at the Dominion Bank at 1 King Street in Toronto. Joanne worked regularly for 30 years but she found her most comfortable role at Esprit Place (a women's and children's shelter) in Parry Sound. Later Joanne and Tom operated a bed and breakfast in Parry Sound for almost 10 years. Their children were welcome there at any time, as long as they booked ahead. Moves to Aurora and then Mount Forest followed. Mom made friends easily, and she kept herself very engaged.
Joanne loved gardening, gardening books, talking about gardening and watching gardening on TV. She was always interested in politics, would always seek your opinion on the news of the day, and would want to discuss her most recent or pending vacation trip with Tom.
Thank you to the wonderful staff in both Oncology and Palliative Care at Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest. A special thank you to Dr. Dicu at WRHN. They were fantastic with Mom.
A celebration of Joanne’s life will be planned in the future. Those interested in making a donation in memory of Joanne are asked to consider the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Brad, Joanne, Nick and family, we were so sorry to hear about Joanne. I have many fond memories of her. One of my first jobs was cleaning the B&B on Church Street. Growing up on Taylor I remember many a fun gathering there, and some babysitting Matthew as well.
Joanne was a very good friend to my and I’ll always be grateful to her for that.
Thinking of you all at this time.
Jen Johnson
Kind, gentle and curious, we were extraordinarily lucky to get to know Joanne.
Joanne, Nick & Brad, you were so fortunate to call her Mom. Savour the memories.
My condolences to the Keates family during this difficult time.
— Paul Derbecker, April 2, 2026Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We are holding you in our thoughts and wishing you peace during this difficult time.
— CLPS Board of Directors, April 1, 2026Dear Joannie, Brad, Nikki and Families:
We were so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a great lady, friend, and neighbour who will be truly missed. I’m so glad I had a telephone visit with her a couple of weeks ago. She certainly put up the good fight (that must have been the Irish in her).
Wishing you Peace to bring Comfort, Courage to face the days ahead, and Loving Memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Hugs to you all,
John & Donna Maddeford
Deepest condolence's I have many fond memories Donald Holdsworth
— Donald Holdsworth, March 28, 2026To Joanne's family and friends my sincere condolences. I was fortunate to meet Joanne through our discussion group. She had a wonderful heart warming smile and always something interesting to share. I wish I had met her sooner she was a wonderful friend. I too love gardening and will plant something special at my place in her honour. May she rest in peace.
— Joanne Kopp, March 27, 2026