Joanne Walker

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Joanne Walker, 83, of Peterborough, Ontario, who left us on August 19th, 2025.

Joanne was born on July 3rd, 1942, in Peterborough to Jerome and Laura O’Toole.  She grew up in Otonabee Township, where she later went on to become a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1963.  Joanne devoted her life to caring for others as a nurse for 42 years.  Her compassion, patience, and dedication touched countless lives both inside and outside of the healthcare environment.   As a Registered Nurse, she had a long and fulfilling career starting at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marycrest Home for the Aged, and finishing her career as a VON nurse.

Beyond her career, Joanne found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life.  She was an avid gardener that reflected her nurturing spirit.  She loved painting and crafts, always bringing colour, creativity, and warmth into her home and the lives of those she loved.  Those who knew Joanne will remember her kindness, her generosity, and her ability to find beauty in the little things.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all those she touched.

Joanne married the love of her life, Donald Walker, with whom she shared 40 years of marriage before his passing in March of 2005.  Their love and partnership remain a lasting legacy for their family.

She was a proud and loving mother to Cathy (John Burningham), Lori (Jay Adams), Michael (Stephanie), and Stephen (Heather).  She found her deepest happiness in being a Gramma to her 7 grandchildren: Kate (Chris Carveth), Jeffrey, Andrew (Aleasha), Riley (Chelsey), Ethan (Jenna), Jensen (Jensyn), Gabriel (Anna). She cherished every moment with her great grandchildren: Ellie (Nathan), Sadie, Hunter, and Easton.  Joanne will be deeply missed by her siblings Jim (Sharon), Sr. Rosemary O’Toole, Frank, George (Edna), as well as many nieces and nephews who adored her.  Joanne will be dearly missed by her extended family, many friends, and many acquaintances throughout her life.

Her life was a gift to all who knew her, and her love will continue to grow in the gardens of all our hearts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, August 26th, at 11:00 a.m., at HIGHLAND PARK FUNEAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough, ON with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Peterborough.

The family would like to thank Dr. Laura MacMillan-Jones, Dr. Emily Hughes, the nursing staff at palliative care PRHC, Hospice Peterborough staff, and nurses from Ontario Health at Home for their kindness, care, compassion and support.