We Remember
PRIESTMAN, Joan Viola (née Whatley)
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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful Joan, who died peacefully in her home on November 9, 2021. Her passing marked the end of her heroic twenty-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was a tenacious fighter who fought every minute of every day to stay with her family and to live her life to its fullest. Joan was a model in showing us how to confront adversity with grace and acceptance.
Joan was born on December 17, 1947, in Montreal, Quebec to John and Elsie Whatley. Joan is survived by her devoted husband and soulmate John Priestman, who never wavered and was constantly by her side. Parkinson’s Disease took a loving wife, and a dedicated mom to Alison and Greg Priestman.
Joan loved spending time with her family and friends. She had great affection for her three brothers and is survived by Donald Whatley and his wife Natalie, Dr. Richard Whatley and his wife Martha, and Dr. Gordon Whatley and his partner Dr. Sherry Litz.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Joan’s devoted caregivers, Kristina Howard and Geraldine Benzon, for their love and friendship. Much inspiration was also provided by Debby Hartley and her Good Vibrations friends in Kelowna.
Joan was an outstanding bridge player. She was also an excellent all-round athlete and was an avid golf and tennis player. She had some of the happiest years of her life with John at the Bayview Country Club in Toronto. She was also passionate about interior design and landscaping, which filled her home with love and happiness.
A private cremation has taken place. She wishes to be joined, with John, in the Whatley family plot in Lakefield, Ontario.
Our family would like to thank everyone who loved her so much. We appreciate your strength and help through this most difficult time.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
What a wonderful tribute to a truly beautiful woman. Joan carried her Parkinson’s Disease with determination and grit, and her strength and grace have shown so many of us how to deal with adversity. Through enduring love and support from her family Joan never missed the party. Our Good Vibrations gals will miss her deeply.
Sorry to hear about your loss
John Cernik
John, Alison, Greg, just a note to express my sympathies on the loss of Joan. I’ll always remember her welcoming grin at Bayview or company parties. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Be well. Mike
So sorry to hear about Joan’s passing John. It must be an incredibly difficult time for you. John and I had incredible admiration for Joan not only at the bridge table but how hard she fought to remain as active as she possibly could while dealing with Parkinson’s. She was a very special lady and a class act. We will miss her at the bridge table.
With our sincerest of condolences.
Fiona and John
John, It is with great sorrow that we learn of Joan’s passing. I have many fond memories of Joan at the bridge table. She was a very courageous lady and you were always there for her.
Will keep you all in my prayers.
Ken and Nicole Brandson
We are so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Our thoughts are with you John. We will all miss Joan.
Gloria and Michael
John,
Please accept Bev’s and my condolences on Joan’s passing. Regardless how expected it may have beenm it still must be a terrible shock. When you are up to it,
may we invite you to lunch? (416-968-1991)
Dear John: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Joan. This is a lovely tribute and I’m sure you were very lucky to have each other.
Sincerely,
Libby
Dear John, Alison and Greg. I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of teaching with Joan for three years and as well as all her other talents, Joan was a creative, caring and dedicated educator. I learned so much from Joan and admired her immensely. May your many wonderful memories give you strength during this difficult time. Judy Petrou.
Dear John and family. I am heartbroken to hear of Joan’s passing. We shared many fun times together golf where she always beat me and lots and lots of bridge. We always enjoyed our times totter
Dear John. My sincere condolences on the loss of Joan. We spent a lot of fun times together whether bridge or golf. She was a good athlete. Sympathy to you and your kids. Fondly linda and bob
Thank you for the beautiful tribute so delicately written about Joan, your loving wife and mother. Yes, Joan truly fought her battle with Parkinson’s with dignity and determination. She has had a beautiful life with John and her lovely children, Alison and Greg. Your memories will be endless. Sincerely, Jack and Adele and families.
Dear John and Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss.. Thinking out you in this most difficult time!
Jim and Jacquie Estey
Dear John, it has been a long while but we keep such fond memories of our gourmet dinners, golf weekends and highly competitive bridge parties we had with you, Joan, Wendy, Lou, Robin and Tony.
We remember Joan as a woman with a warm personality, talented, full of energy and drive to succeed in every activity she took on.
To you John, to Alison and Greg, we extend our deepest condolences and wish you courage and strength at this very difficult time.
With much affection,
Nicole and Gilles Lamoureux
John, Alison & Greg, I was so saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of John & Joan from my Guardian days. My heart goes out to you all. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Isabelle & Doug
Dear John
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Joan. Such a beautiful woman and I will miss seeing her at the bridge table. Bob and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family
Our sincere condolences to the Priestman and Whatley families. I have fond childhood memories of visiting our Whatley cousins in North Vancouver. I really looked up to my beautiful cousin Joan and felt so grown up when Joan invited my sister and me to listen to the radio in her room!
So sorry for your loss. Rene and I were so saddened to learn of her passing. Joan will definitely be missed. I have fond memories of going to your house after school as a kid and spending time with Joan. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Bruce, Rene, Ally and Hayley Hollamby