Obituary of Joan Colleen Wilkes

It’s with heavy hearts the Wilkes family announces Joan’s passing after a brief illness at the age of 94. The family have spent the last few days living with her at her house and she passed peacefully in her favourite chair with family by her side on Wednesday November 20, 2024.

Daughter of the late Ernie and Marion Duval, sister of the late Bud Duval.  Wife and best friend of the late Danny Wilkes.  Loving Mother of Dan (Barb), Jodi (Barry Laking), Nancy (Mark Hewitt).  Loving Nana to Tom, Alison, Brad, Courtney and Adam.  Loving Great Nana to Jax, Tennyson, Lewis, Quinn, Hayes, Gabe, Nate and Draper.

She loved her family.

A very special thank you to Dr. Terry Rotondo.

She had many accomplishments in her figure skating career both personally and professionally.  She was a coach and mentor to many skaters over her 65+ years of coaching. She lived a full and vibrant life right up to the end and will be missed by many. No one that we know had her energy, commitment and zest for life and her sport. 

She was an independent lady, ahead of her time career woman.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held at the Hall of Fame Room - Memorial Gardens on Friday December 13 from 1-4 pm.

Donations in memory of Joan may be made to Sick Kids or KidSport North Bay.