Joanne Sullivan

With both a deep sadness and an eternal gratitude for the life that she shared, we announce the passing of Joanne Sullivan (nee Dries) on Monday, February 24th, 2025 at the age of 85.  

Born in 1939 in Ruscom, Ontario, Joanne was the daughter of the late Henry and Rose Dries.  In 1964, she married Ron Sullivan and, for more than six decades, theirs has been a story of deep love, respect, commitment, and partnership.  Joanne was loving mother to Gerry Sullivan (Martha), Karen Sullivan (Michelle Simpson), Mike Sullivan (Deb), and Ron Sullivan (Leanne).  She was an endlessly proud and always positive grandma to Shaun Sullivan, Maddy Sullivan, Kevin Gevaert, and Brian Gevaert and had a special place in her heart for Rachel, Lavonne, Jessie, and Phoebe Simpson.  

Joanne is survived by her sister Elaine (late Dan) Dillon, brother Ed (late Liz) Dries, brother-in-law David (late Helen Dries) Cree, sister-in-law Betty Lister (Henry), and brother-in-law Bob Sullivan (Beth).  She was also predeceased by her brothers Charlie (late Sandy), Joe (late Terry), and Ray (Lorraine Haskell).  Also mourning her loss are many nieces, nephews, and cousins far and wide as well as cherished “chosen family” Bonnie and David Nicholson, Sheila and Blair Clark, and Edward VanRossen.

In her professional life, Joanne was a proud and dedicated nurse, having graduated from the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chatham in 1959.  She cherished her friendships from those days, celebrating just last fall the 65th anniversary of their graduation with her classmates.  Whether working at the hospital, in various doctors’ offices in Blenheim, or simply fielding calls from family and friends, she was a trusted and caring advisor.  Her circle of friends was wide as it grew with each pursuit throughout her life, from curling, and the Kinette Club, to the many social events in which she and Ron participated and organized in Rice Creek, Florida where they wintered for 18 years.  

Joanne’s greatest joys came from time with family.  She loved large gatherings and was the master of putting a chicken and sliders feast on the table with remarkably little evidence of it in the kitchen.  Birthday outings with her girls were cherished events.  Planting and tending her garden with her grandchildren was a joy.  

Her grandchildren will tell you that Grandma was like summer; no matter the day she brought brightness and cheer.  She was our biggest cheerleader and our rock and will be greatly missed.

Special thanks to Dr. Martha Clendenning and the many caring staff from Ontario Health at Home, VON, Bayshore, and the Chatham Kent Hospice who made mom’s final days as comfortable as possible and so kindly guided us through the past few weeks.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to gather  at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  A  Funeral Mass will be  conducted by Father Paul at St. Mary’s church in Blenheim at 11am on Friday, February 28th with a reception to follow at St. Mary’s Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ would be greatly appreciated.