Joanne Eileen Mary Ewles (nee Sleath)
January 7, 1955 - December 18, 2019
Funeral Details: Celebration of life to be held at a later time
This ANGEL, accepted and owned her fate and selflessly was more concerned about what she was putting her family through. This was Jo a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, adventurer and the Admiral.
For 25 years Jo, maintained such a positive, upbeat attitude by living a day at a time and doing the best she could and optimistically looking forward to the next day, week, month, year. She believed you had to accept your life and what it throws at you with no regrets. She met her many challenges, head on (MS, Blepharospasm(eyes), Cancer). In healthier times, she worked in various business ventures, finance, condo management and co-owner in a Recreation Management Company that she and Tom ran for 15 years.
Jo had uncanny success with her “illogical logic” to solve problems way before “out of the box” thinking was trendy.
Through-out her life, regardless of the state of her health, she raised 3 beautiful children (Chris, Cam & Katie) who in turn met their own “soulmates” Nadia & Josie. The kids blessed us with 7 grandchildren. Those close to her knew how relentlessly she would defend them. Jo unconditionally loved them all “Forever and Always”.
In their later years, Jo and Tom, lived life to the fullest, travelling over 10000 miles on their boat Indulgence, observing and experiencing the unbelievable beauty of God’s world … the earth, sea and sky and all that inhabit it. We have been blessed to share life for 44 years.
Jo predeceases her parents –John & Eileen Sleath (92 yrs.), her brothers & sister and their spouses, nephews and nieces, as well as, Tom’s sisters & brother and their spouses, nephews and nieces.
Courageous in her pursuit of life
Strength in her ability to meet the challenges faced
Perseverance in her struggle to live to ensure her children had their own lives
Grace and Beauty in never complaining or feeling down on the cards she was dealt
A “Celebration” of Jo’s amazing story will be held later in the new year as her wishes were to ensure those that are south, where she would prefer to be, can be present and the weather suitable for travel and opportunity to be outdoor and indoor near water, pretty specific.
Jo was blessed to have found Dr. Earl Consky (neurologist) and his wonderful staff, who successfully managed her Blepharospasm for 20 odd years.
Donations will be accepted at RVH Foundation, with preference to the Cancer Care Centre where we received unbelievable compassionate care from those at the hospital as well as at home.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” “The loss is unmeasurable but so is the love left behind.”.
BONNIE AND DAN FORGRAVE
Posted on: Friday, December 27, 2019What a wonderful obituary about a very unique woman. Although Dan and Tom have known each other for years ,we only became friends with Jo a few years ago while vacationing in Florida. We spent some time on the Indulgence with them in Madeira Beach last winter ,drinks at a local pub as well as some time in Indian Shores coffee shop. Bonnie was fortunate to spend some quality time with Joanne(getting to know her better ) in the last six months during her illness. Our only regret is not getting to know her sooner, although I am sure Bonnie and her would have gotten in loads of trouble!
Tom please accept our heartfelt sympathies and pass along our condolences to your family. We look forward to celebrating with you after our return in March and remembering a woman who has left a huge imprint on our lives. Bonnie and Dan
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Thanks ever so much for your thoughtfulness over the past few months
Tom
April Milley-Stevenson
Posted on: Friday, December 27, 2019Katie, Nadia, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Another angle has returned home all to soon. I hope that in time each day becomes a little easier. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Katie Ewles
Posted on: Tuesday, January 7, 2020Thank you
John Rithie
Posted on: Saturday, December 28, 2019She was a very beautiful lady now she can Rest In Peace . She is our little star now and always
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Thank you Jake,
Cheryl Whillans
Posted on: Saturday, December 28, 2019You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jo was a lovely lady with a heart of gold.
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Thank you Cheryl , our families were very much entwined for several years. Appreciate your acknowledgment
Sharon Frankland
Posted on: Saturday, December 28, 2019I regret that I never had the opportunity to meet your Mom Katie, but her courage, strength, compassion, love, dignity and huge personality live on in you. My deepest condolences to you, Nadia and your wonderful family on the loss of a very special lady.
Katie Ewles
Posted on: Tuesday, January 7, 2020Thank Sharon for all your support
Patricia Martin
Posted on: Saturday, December 28, 2019What a lovely tribute for Joanne! Your love and strength together were immeasurable and she will be close to your hearts always until you meet again.
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Patricia and Jim
Thanks for your warm words
Tom
ERIC BANCOLITA
Posted on: Sunday, December 29, 2019I am very fortunate and thankful to have met Joanne, a loving, caring and thoughtful person who had shared to me her story of adventures, family, and life. She will be forever remembered and will have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace Joanne. My prayers and thoughts are with you Tom, Katie and the rest of the family.
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Thank you Eric, so glad you were apart of her care and mine over the past several months
Katie Ewles
Posted on: Tuesday, January 7, 2020Thank you Eric. You as well where very special. Thank you for everything you did for my parents.
Howard Friesen
Posted on: Sunday, December 29, 2019Mere words cannot express my emotions and thoughts about Jo and Tom. We began our friendship a few years ago when we became dock mates at Bayport marina. Yet somehow it seems as if we’d been friends for far longer. That’s just how Jo was – loving and caring for those who were fortunate enough to have her come into their lives. She will be greatly missed.
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Thank you Howard
Indeed a thoughtful friend to us both
Wayne Farrow
Posted on: Wednesday, January 1, 2020Tom , Very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne Farrow
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Wayne, thanks so much for your acknowledgment of my wife’s death. Sincerely appreciated
Tom
Kathleen Maguire-Sleath
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2020Always smiling.
Kathleen Maguire-Sleath
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2020Family
Kathleen Maguire-Sleath
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2020Celebrating her Dad’s 65th.
Kathleen Maguire-Sleath
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2020Oh Happy Day!
Kathleen Maguire-Sleath
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2020Enjoying a campfire at the cottage.
Kathleen Maguire-Sleath
Posted on: Friday, January 3, 2020They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I do not have the words to adequately express my respect and admiration for the person we know as Joanne, so I am posting pictures to show what brought her joy and happiness. She lived life on her own terms, always smiling, always positive and upbeat, her glass always half full. With Tom by her side, she could conquer the world. Her strength and spirit will be sorely missed, but her love will always carry on. She will be remembered always.
Tom Ewles
Posted on: Sunday, January 5, 2020Kathleen what can I say but a heartfelt thanks to you, John and family
A picture truly is not only worth a thousand words but it is now priceless