Joann MacRae

Mme. Newman. You come into my thoughts on a regular basis. Your teaching, your guidance, the humorous moments, even the small of your delicious coffee while grading my work. Thank you for all of the ways you have touched our lives. I'm sad you are not with us anymore. Yet in a way, you always will be, with the impact on all of our lives. My deepest condolences to the family. Merci beaucoup -Ani Nersessian

Joann was in my life as our daughters were friends in grade school, and later Joann and I were in the same book club. We shared much laughter and great discussions. Her teaching and volunteering at the hospital were passions but her daughters were the world to her. Joann was a very generous woman, kind, intelligent and caring. This disease robbed her of so much. No more suffering now. Her amazing spirit has gone to do other great things. I'm honored to have known her.

I am saddened to hear the news of Joann’s passing, sending my sincere condolences to the family on your loss. Jo was a big part of your lives after the twoJo’s met in high school … lots of great memories I have and may she rest in peace .

We have such warm memories of our cousin Joann's visits to Sault Ste Marie. How wonderful it was that she truly enjoyed keeping connection with her Devon and Mullin family here in the Soo. We shall especially remember her joy filled smile, hearing her warm laughter and spending happy, conversation filled times together. Our loving sympathy to Alexis and Emma, our cousins Jill and John and all of their beautiful families.

Dormez bien, ma belle. 💕

I feel that this aweful disease has taken your from us twice. I find comfort knowing your are in peace and no longer suffering. Joanne was my Aunt and Godmother and we were close. I often went over for dinner, icecream and Brandy while we watched American Idol, Y+R or the Great Canadian Baking Competition, before she moved to London. If like to think her spirit will be close, especially during this time of year which she always made special. I'm so very sorry that Emma and Allie have lost their mom, but hoping they can hold on to their wonderful memories to help forget the hard ones this horrendous disease created. I love you and will miss you Aunt Joanne.

Gary and I have been remembering Joann as we visit cathedrals in our journey through Spain. Our condolences to you both, Emma and Allie. Gary has many stories about Joann and her passion for her department while he was in administration. I have fond memories of Joann as my neighbour across the hall from Science. Our condolences to the family.

The MacRae’s were our neighbours on Marydon and later our next door neighbours on Midland. Although Jill, Joanne and John attended private schools were saw them everyday. Our families celebrated Christmas Eve together for years. Joanne was like a sister and her wonderful memories will always be ingrained in my soul.

She taught me at Mary Ward, grade 9 French. She was dedicated, kind, and serious. Everything you want in a teacher. The world has lost an amazing woman, but heaven has gained a princess.

My condolences to all of the family. Joanne always had such a wonderful sense of humour. I remember many wonderful visits by the MacRae family, to the farm when we were growing up. Dad always had fun teasing her. Hugs to all

Our Dearest Emma and Allie, Our love and deepest condolences on mums passing. Our lives are forever filled with memories living alongside in the 1990’s and early 2000’s and joys of growing up together. We remember mums’ energy, passion, and caring for us all but the two of you, in particular. She was so committed to what mattered, her volunteerism at the hospital, and her vocation doing such important work as a teacher. Most compelling was her pride in you and love of you both. Though such precious years were taken from her and you by this cruel disease, we pray that she is safe and at peace, and that your hearts stay fuelled forever by her love and the beautiful memories she has left behind. XO

My sincere condolences to the family. I have fond memories of your mom from her teaching at Holy Spirit. May she rest in peace.

Dear Allie and Emma, I remember your mom fondly from our time at FridayNight Book Club. She had a wonderful sense of humour and those were ‘good times.’ She was also crackerjack smart and you both had to witness the toll that this disease took on her life. Joanne is at peace now and I like to believe she is surrounded by those who went before her. I’m glad that as sisters you have one another at this sad time. In the end it is family that always prevails. Warm regards, Marg

Our thoughts and prayers are with the MacRae family! Joann, you were such a force of life and a pillar of the Mary Ward community. May you rest in peace.

Joann (my cousin) was full of life. Every visit to NS was filled with happy hours of sharing stories, reminiscing, much laughter, and time spent building family connections that would last the tests of time and distance. Joann loved to spend time with her Maritime family, and we always welcomed her visits and her company. She was interested in our family stories, she was eager to share her memories, and happy to be a part of anything that was going on…afternoon tea, a kitchen party, a spontaneous gathering, she was up for it all. Although her illness and Covid prevented physical contact in recent years, we always knew that her heart was present and she was with us in spirit. She told me that Nova Scotia was a happy place for her, people were warm and friendly and she just felt at home. We hope that her spirit will continue to grace our homes and gatherings in all the years to come. We send our deep condolences to her girls, Allie and Emma, and to her siblings, Jill and John. May God Bless You, today and in all the days ahead.

Mme Newman will live on forever through all those who have been taught by her. She is one of the people who changed my life with her kind words and led me to believe that I could achieve anything. My condolences to her family and friends for your loss

What a wonderful teacher! Thank you for your gift of educating, French, drama, religion! Good times and good memories. Rest in peace!

What can I say? Joann will always be a spectacular human being. I met her at Our Lady of Fatima Catholuc School, where we became great friends. Joann, Adrian and I became the 3 Amigos. We had so much fun throughout the years. The 3 of us made trips together to Florida and Collingwood. The laughter we shared was incredible. Rest in Peace my dear friend. The heavens have gained a beautiful angel. xxoo ❤️

Worked with Joann at Mary Ward for a number of years. I'm just now remembering her amazing collection of Christmas sweaters. She was avant-garde with the ugly Christmas sweater trend--like she almost started it! Good to remember the liveliness of this woman always ready for a laugh! Peace to her family in the sorry of grief. God speed to Joann on her journey into the mystery beyond this life.

Joanne was a terrific woman. I met her through Book Club and as a former SJMP grad, we shared several conversations about ‘do you remember?’ My favourite memory was her classroom swear jar, and her donation of the proceeds to Daybreak. Her trips to France with students and to Myrtle Beach with fellow teachers were often the subject of much laughter. Joanne loved her daughters and my heart goes out to you both.