Joanne Catherine Keates

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. 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