Joanne Maddeford
November 11, 2021
After a startling short battle with cancer, Mary ‘Joanne’ Gruber Palmer Maddeford passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Victoria Hospital, London, as feisty as she entered the world on March 13, 1943, to David and Alice (Brohman) Gruber, of 13 Cambridge Street in Guelph. As one of six children – Angela, Donald, Shirley (Bone), Patrick, Joanne, and Douglas, she has always enjoyed large family gatherings, Gruber Family bowling on Boxing Day, and Sunday night roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinners with her family. She attended St. Stanislaus and Notre Dame schools, where she was made to wear a kilt and itchy wool stockings made by her mother. She is survived and honoured by her husband, Dr. William Maddeford, of London (previously of Bryon and Delaware). Joanne was especially proud of her award-winning beets and their children: Eric and Krissy (née Konrad) Palmer; Stefanie Palmer and David Fishburn, of Guelph; Adam Palmer, of Whistler B.C; Christopher and Jennifer Maddeford, of Mount Brydges; Eric and Jan Maddeford, of London; Michael Maddeford; and Jaqueline (Maddeford) and Steven Shore, of Fingal. Joanne will be remembered for her thoughtfulness and generous heart by her many wonderful grandchildren: Kyla, Kole, Kailyn, Shane, Alecia, Brittany, Taylor, Kaley, Charlie Lily, J-Nan, and Carolyn; and her great-grandchildren: Hailey, Layton, Kieran, Daelen, Isla, Hunter, Haydn and Hayley. Joanne’s spirit will live on with her chosen grandchildren, Brad Ferris, Kim Linfield; and beloved goddaughter, Meagan Golem. GG’s legacy for tea parties, birding, painting, and fairy gardens will live on through the lives of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by brothers-in-law, Ted and John (Donna Maddeford), and Charlie Bone; and sisters-in-law, Donna and Margie Gruber. She was predeceased by her brothers, Donald, Patrick, and Douglas; and her sister, Angela. Joanne had an instrumental part in creating a separated, divorced and widowed support group in Guelph and London. HART Counselling for separated, divorced and widowed individuals was her passion and life’s work. Historically, Joanne played an exuberant gut-bucket with the Arkell Women’s Institute. She loved being a part of the Brush and Palette Club, Gallery Painting Group, Uptown Art Club, The Bookies, Aquafit at the Chelsey Park pool and the Lambeth exercise group. A funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Registration and proof of vaccination will be required to attend.
To register, please click here: Registration page for the funeral service of Joanne Maddeford on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m.
An interment and Celebration of Life will be held at Marymount Cemetery in Guelph for family and close friends next year. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Joanne are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.
Leave a tribute for Joanne Maddeford
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Dearest Bill. We were so saddened to hear the news of Joanne's passing. We have such fond memories of spending time with the two of you, and will always remember Joanne as a kind, loving and genuine woman. May her memory be a blessing to you and yours. With love - Joni and Maynard
To Bill and the Palmer and Maddeford families, I send my sincere condolences in the loss of Joanne. We discovered we were Brohman cousins many years ago and were both pretty happy about that.
Dearest Bill, our deepest condolences and love to you and your whole family. I speak for myself (Tonifer) and Susan (Suze). We are devastated at the loss of our BFF, Joanne. We hardly had time to come to grips with her diagnosis, never imagining we would be here so quickly. Our lunches and day trips or BBQs on the deck will never be the same. Our painting sessions will only remind us we are missing one of us. Joanne will be so, so missed. These things will never be the same. Bill, I have you and your family in my constant thoughts and prayers. Toni and Mike.
Dear Bill and family, I am so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. This photo of her incredibly captures her love of life. Both of you played an instrumental role in my life through your Rebuilding program and I could never thank you enough for the healing , wisdom and wonderful friendships it fostered. My thoughts are with you all as you navigate this journey without this incredible woman. ❤ Lisa
Joanne and Bill made an outstanding difference in a lot of people’s lives ....walking us through our grief ....oh you are loved and will be missed Joanne ?
Stefanie my condolence on the passing of your Mother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dear Bill and family, My sincere condolences on the passing of Joanne. The road ahead is difficult but your family will be a support and strength in the coming days and weeks.
My mom, Kathleen Moyer, was Joanne’s first cousin. Joanne’s mom and my grandmother, Tess Schell, were sisters. I got to know Joanne through our Brohman reunions in the last few years. She was such a joy to be around and I wish I’d had the chance to get to know her better. Her love of family shone through. What a beautiful picture you’ve chosen for her obituary - she looks so happy and I will remember her smile. My heartfelt sympathies go to her family and friends. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dear Bill and family, We would like to send our sincerest condolences. It was too short of time from that day when she shared her news but I am glad she had a swift journey away from pain and suffering. We will indeed miss our feisty friend and our beloved “ Bookie”. She did make an impact on our lives with her compassion, humour, creativity and straight talk. She added immensely to our lives. There will be a special place for her full of light and sunshine and we will carry our memories of our times together in our hearts. Love Tom and Lori.
Dear Bill We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Joanne May her happy memories give you the strength to go on Wishing you aal the best in this difficult time . Love Saunder Will Jason Iris Bob and Noa
Sending all of you our deepest sympathy. Take Care
Dear Stef, My deepest condolences are with you and your family.
Dear Bill, we are so sad to hear of Joanne's passing. Sending our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family as you go through this very difficult time. We are all thinking of you. Love Eleanor, Peri and all the family.
The photo of Joanne captures just exactly what she represented to us, a beautiful radiant woman, full of kindness, caring, compassion and passion. As a co worker of Joannes we had a blast working in radio. As a leader of our separation group she taught me to love again which resulted in my loving wife and son. Our condolences to Bill, Eric, Stef, Adam and all the Palmer and Maddeford family. You have lost a treasure. We have one of her beautiful paintings that will now remind us daily of her talent and love. God bless Joanne and all her family and friends.
Dr Bill we were saddened from the news that you have lost your partner in life! Our deepest condolences to you the Maddeford clan and all the lives Joanne has touched ❤
Sending our deepest condolences to you Eric and your family.
I am one of Joanne’s Brohman cousins, one of Kathleen Moyer’s daughters. I had my own cancer journey 2 1/2 months years ago and Joanne was a wonderful support for me. She certainly had a great spirit and love of family and life. May time and happy memories bring you peace.
Dear Bill, and your whole extended family. I can’t fully express how saddened and shocked I was to hear of Joanne’s passing. You and Joanne had such an impact on the lives of so many struggling souls. Touched by your care, compassion, and kindness we “survived”. I know in your time of grief you will be surrounded by the same compassion and kindness, by; family, friends, strangers to your family, and all who had the pleasure to be touched by Joanne. Let the arms of those who loved Joanne, and love you, embrace you now. ?
Dear Eric, Jan, and Family, We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved mother. May God send you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. With Love and Condolences, Barb and Joe
Dear Eric, Stefanie, and David. We are so sorry that you have lost your Mom. She was a very special person, a great neighbour, and friend. She was so proud of each and ever one of you, and loved you all so much. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you have of your Mom and keep them near and dear to your hearts.?
Dear Bill and all of your wonderful family, my heart goes out to you as you grieve the absence of Joanne in your lives. Please know that you are not alone. So many people whose lives you have touched are holding you in their hearts and prayers, buoying you up, lifting your spirit enough for you to continue on. Draw strength from that knowledge and from the many stories you will tell and retell about Joanne and her wonderful zest for life. Connie Mabb P.S. I will miss talking about painting techniques with Joanne, drinking tea ... made in a teapot (never a bag in a cup), debating whether Metro has best radishes, but most of all I will miss the philosophical discussions about life.
Dear Eric, Stefanie, and Adam. We are so sorry that you have lost your Mom. She was a very special person, a great neighbour, and friend. She was so proud of each and ever one of you, and loved you all so much. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you have of your Mom and keep them near and dear to your hearts.?
Dear Bill and family. Our sincerest condolences on the loss of dear Joanne. She was a very special, one of a kind person who brought light to a room with her effervescent personality and presence. We wish you strength during this difficult time.
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In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Joanne are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.
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Dear Dr. Maddeford, family and friends of Joanne. We are so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. Our hearts go out to you and all . John and Roberta Young (Delaware)
~ John and Roberta Young