Tribute Wall
Friday
17
October
Memorial Open House
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday, October 17, 2025
Westover Inn
300 Thomas St
St. Marys, Ontario, Canada
Words of Remembrance at 3 pm
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Colleen Clairmont posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2025
Condolences to Dick and the whole family. We have such fond memories of Joan while living above the store. She was so pleasant and very thoughtful,and welcoming to us. I remember that she always had a project on the go and another one close behind:) we admired her energy. (Kept her young for sure) always enjoyed hearing of her next plan. I know she will be missed . May you sense God's comfort in this time. Colleen and Greg Clairmont
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Tom Bishop posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
To Dick, and all of the MacPhersons: After many years in the 1980’s as a teenager working for your family at the busiest store in town, I have many fond memories. Some of those were the subject of our discussions in subsequent decades when I would be into the store and see Joan. They all came flooding back this week when I heard of her passing. Hoping that my heartfelt sympathies, and some of your own memories that you’ve created together, will bring you comfort at this time.
Sincerely,
Tom Bishop and family
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Joyce Day posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I always enjoyed a chat with Joan and admired her ability in so many areas. As a frequent shopper in both the craft store and M&M I saw her and Dick frequently.She was a longtime steadfast contributor to St. Marys in too many ways to count. What she did has long lasting effects.May the memories you hold in your heart last a lifetime.
I have made a donation to the Day Program at the hospital. Sending my deepest condolences to her family.
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Ron and Nancy Marriott posted a condolence
Friday, October 10, 2025
Dick, David, George, Brenda and families, our sincere condolences in the passing of Joan. Such an amazing lady and it was our pleasure to have known her. You are all in our thoughts.
Ron & Nancy Marriott
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Thelma Chambers and Diana Youngson posted a condolence
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Our condolences to all the family and friends for your great loss
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Nancy Ready posted a condolence
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Our condolences Dick and all of Joan’s family. It was always nice to speak with her in passing on a walk, visiting the M&M store. Such a lovely smile and kind spirit.
Nancy and Jamie Ready
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Greg and Jayne Tinney posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Our condolences to Dick and the family. Joan was a pleasant, strong , hard working lady. Keeping the family in our thoughts
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Glenna Day Hicks posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Sending my condolences to Joans family. A wonderful women, who lived life to the fullest. I enjoyed my Wednesday afternoons, when I would take her friend Jane down to the flats, so that her and Joan could have a visit. After the visit Joan, would walk her laps around the flats. A true inspiration. She will be missed. Glenna Day Hicks
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Jackie Cousins posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
I certainly have many memories of nice conversations with Joan ( I was a Sears Shopper & frequented M&M often! ) I will forever be grateful for Joan to be in the right place at the right time when one of our children needed help - she was truly a lifesaver on that day ( a guardian angel in the flesh) . A donation has been made in Joan’s memory to the very valuable program - St Marys Day Program ( VON Huron - Perth ). With sincerest condolences, Steve & Jackie Cousins & Family
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Pam Beatson posted a condolence
Monday, October 6, 2025
I will remember Joan for her kindness, generosity and creativity. Joan always put her family first and she was always thinking of ways to benefit everyone. She was one of the most family and community-oriented people I have ever known and she touched my life personally with her thoughtfulness and her example. My sincere condolences to Dick and the kids and all of their families, but especially to my friend, George
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Julie Docker Johnson posted a condolence
Monday, October 6, 2025
What a lady! Joan was a busy lady who always had time for a chat and time for her community. My most sincere condolences to Dick and the entire MacPherson Family. Joan was a role model for many and her legacy will live on. Keep your heart memories close.
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Allen Coldham posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
I think I was around 13 when I joined a youth group in Ottawa called BHF (Baptist High fellowship). Joan and Dick were the youth leaders of this group so young themselves and so relatable . They knew somehow what was going on inside our minds and never treated us like “kids”. They were a fantastic team. I can’t imagine the loss all the family is experiencing. My condolences and love to all Joan’s family.
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Shawn McArthur and family posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Our condolences to Dick, Dave, George, Brenda and the rest of the MacPherson family. I know Joan was a good friend to my mother Jane over the decades. Her smile, sense of humour and quiet way of saying so much with few words and often a twinkle in her eyes were wonderful.
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Nelda Mossip-Oliver posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Dear Dick and Joans complete family circle including the many many friends accumulated thu all the years . Deepest sympathy. Joan certainly did much for St.Marys and beyond. I remember the first time I met her in 1980 when the Rotary conference was held in Sarnia. I was new to Rotary and Joan was so gracious in welcoming me along with Dick . She will be missed , but not forgotten. Most sincerely , Nelda Mossip-Oliver
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Jack Cole posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Hello to the MacPherson family:
I was fortunate to connect with your family through our church and my mother, Skip Cole. For a year in the 1960's, when our dad was posted to England, I lived with you on Burnbank Street in Grenfell Glen while attending Laurentain high school. I was welcomed there in your home and treated just like a family member for that time. I felt like one too.
I recall many days when Dick would drive me to school, dropping me off on the way to his work, often passing along valuable lessons of life during that short trip.
My time spent with you back then, was a happy part in my life. I can certainly tell you that Joan was a big contributor to that.
I wish you all well in dealing with your loss and hope that the sadness is soon replaced with the fine memories that Joan leaves with you and all of us.
- Jake Cole, Ottawa
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Brenda Neufeld Posted Oct 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Hi Jack,
Thank you so much for your beautiful message and for sharing those memories. We often think of Skip and your entire family with great fondness. Those days on Burnbank Street hold a special place in our hearts too & many wonderful memories.
It would be great to see you again. If you ever make it up this way, it would be very special for all of us!
Say Hi to Kathy, Wayne & Richard
Wishing you all the best,
Brenda
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Thompson’s posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
To all of the family of Joan MacPherson
We will miss Joan . She was an ambitious woman . I admired her work ethic .
So many great memories of Joan . Joan’s family will have the best memories of family time together .
Our condolences to her family
Rest In Peace Joan .
Michael & Kathy
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G & M.A. Dingman posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Dick and all the MacPherson family, we were very sad to learn of Mrs. MacPherson's passing...It was always a great pleasure to chat with her in M&M or the Craft Shop, over the years, what a lovely, lovely lady. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. .
Gary & Mary-Anne Dingman
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Gary & Marg Cumming posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Dick and the entire MacPherson family for the loss of Joan. The town will forever be thankful for her hours of dedication to making St. Marys what it is today. May she rest in peace. Gary & Marg Cumming
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Lorne & Nancy Eedy posted a condolence
Sunday, October 5, 2025
One half of an all-star St. Marys Community Power Couple ...
Dick may have been the best Town mayor ever, and the best pitcher for St. Marys on the future of the community, as a tourist destination, and never to forget is prime roll pitching the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame as spokesperson
for its location here in Town.
BUT, Joan was the team catcher and manager, a true all-star in both those roles.
Never a person of many words, just the right words, at the right time.
Dick may have pitched re-locating to St. Marys many, many years ago
but Joan caught the complete small vibe on how special St. Marys was ...
... and ran with it.
Before today, and a plethora of wonderful touristy places in our downtown:
There was Joan and her little gift store on Wellington some 50 plus years ago.
And her quiet foresight caught on, and on, and grew, and grew to where this power couple was the
largest landlord in Downton St. Marys with a battery of stunning buildings ...
heritage structures that Joan went to work on with her clever eys on style
AND a genius ability to make some one else's junk into her treasure.
Example: The CPR startion double doors at the entrance of the Craft Store.
Example: The horrible facade of the Royal Edward (now the above Craft Store,
and the Doll store) which Joan has transformed into to the beauty it is today.
Example: The Independent building.
Example: The Flour Mill building.
With Joan as catcher for heritage in St. Marys, notwithstanding her as manager of ALL
these wonderful buildings the power couple owned, St. Marys would just another run-down small Town
NOT the most beautiful Town in all of Ontario.
I challenge you to name another prettier town.
I challenge you to lift a toast, a word of thanks for an inspirational person who not just talked the talk in very
few words, but walked the walk in big streps.
Thank you Joan,.
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Sandy and Homer Rath Posted Oct 6, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Well said Lorne. We agree with all your comments.
Sandy and Homer Rath
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Carol Chircop posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Sending our condolences to the entire Macpherson family. My family enjoyed always having a chat with Joan in the store, such a kind and caring lady.
The Agar and Chircop Family
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Cindy Pyne posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
I will always remember Joan with a hammer or sandpaper in hand. She was the hardest working lady I’ve ever known (besides my mom). She welcomed Brenda’s new friends into their home at WESTOVER (when they arrived to St Mary’s) like we were family. Rest in peace Joan. I’m sure you will find a piece of furniture to refinish in heaven.
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Linda Harris posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
To Dick, Joan's Family and Friends:
St. Marys people were so fortunate that Dick and Joan MacPherson chose to come to St. Marys to live and set up MacPherson Variety Store and MacPherson Crafts. My mother worked at the store, and their time of living at Westover with others in a peaceful community living style taught many of us how to relate to other people positively! Joan was a wonderful lady, who made many friends with her outgoing nature and creativity, enhanced with a strong faith. Thank you, Joan, until we meet again...
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Dan and Linda Rudorfer posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Sending Condolences to all of the family. Joan sure will be missed. She was a joy to talk to. So sorry for your loss
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Lauren OKeefe posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Joan will certainly be missed always smiling and always busy, busy. I had the pleasure of having one of my first jobs at M & M and Joan and Dick my first employees. I have such amazing memories of there patience, kindness and always giving nature.
To all of Joan’s family and friends my sincere condolence’s hugs to you all.
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June Cunningham posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Dick and family: David and I loved Joan. She was a wonderful woman and she will be missed. Our deepest condolences.
June and Dave Cunningham
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Kathy Mazur & Family posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
So sorry for the loss to your family.
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Janet Jean Noble posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Your mom was a wonderful person, and I have so many fond memories of her." Sympathy to family .. She will be sorely missed !
Janet Jean
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Pat Moffatt posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Condolences to all the family. She will be missed by all who new her.
Pat Moffatt and Ron Lindsay
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Elaine posted a condolence
Saturday, October 4, 2025
This is how I remember Joan that smile, she has left an mark on my heart not to be erased. Elaine
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The family of Joan MacPherson uploaded a photo
Saturday, October 4, 2025
/tribute-images/cropped/411/Joan-MacPherson.jpg
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Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home Ltd.
47 Wellington Street South, PO Box 304
St. Marys, Ontario
N4X 1B2
Canada
Phone or Text (519) 284-2820
Email: andrew@hodgesfuneralhome.ca
The Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home is a Class 1 funeral home
License by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario
License # 411