Following a battle with cancer, Joan Brown of Meaford and formerly of Oakville and Toronto, passed away peacefully at Chapman House Hospice on March 14, 2026, at age 84. Joan was predeceased by her parents Dirkje (Doris) Catharine deVries and Edward James Ivey Redford. She is survived by her husband Edward (Ted) William Brown, her children Cresswell Carter (Shirley), Marney Howden (Paul), Ryan Brown (Ashlee), her grandchildren Ethan, Nolan, Grant, Brielle, Sarah, Logan, and Charlotte, her brother Edward (Ted), Frans Redford (Judy), and so many wonderful friends.
Joan attended Northern Secondary School in Toronto where she excelled in the commercial arts program and met future husband Ted in Grade 10. Post graduation she worked as a graphic artist for the Crown Life Insurance Company and later at Bell Canada. After a brief marriage to Frank Carter in 1964, Joan and Ted rekindled their relationship and were married in 1974. They built a wonderful life together in Toronto, Oakville, and Meaford, joining many organizations over the years including the Beaver Valley Ski Club, Meaford Curling Club, and the Meaford Culture Foundation.
Joan’s artistic flair was present in everything she did, from renovating and decorating their homes, designing extensive gardens, setting a glamourous table for dinner guests, or in her many beautiful paintings. Anything she touched became elevated and more organized. As the matriarch of the family, Joan cherished her grandchildren and strove to enhance their lives with love, laughter, and learning, and she will be truly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at the farm this summer with the date to be announced. Special thanks to the Chapman House for providing kindness and comfort in Joan’s final days. Memorial donations to the hospice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.
