Dear Laurie, Your Mother, and then you, were such a big part of Thought Technology's success. You know my father Joshua had a huge place in his heart for Joan, and when Farrell had his difficulties, I was so lucky that he introduced us. It seems it was about two decades that we had the joy of working with you both. Joan was the light in my day - forever patient and positive, and I know you inherited her disposition. May these fond memories ease your loss. Warmest Regards from Hal and I, and the Klein family.

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mother and my Auntie Joan, she will always be remembered, thought and prayers. Ron Riley

The Family of Joan Potter We know how hard it is for all of you at this sad time, but think how happy God is to have another beautiful angel in heaven. Our hearts go out to you in sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Eadie and Bob Decosse

Terri, Laurie and Scott. I am very saddened about Auntie Joan. I can only imagine your grief at losing your mum. I look at the old pictures posted and they call up wonderful memories of time spent in Weir and Montreal, staying at your place. I look at the recent pictures of your mum and see my mum in her face. Not easy. I'm glad she was so loved, so treasured. This tribute you've put together is a beautiful way to celebrate her life. She was a very special lady. My heartfelt condolences. Love, Jan

To Laurie, Ken and family - My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Take comfort in knowing that others care deeply and share your sorrow. Take care my friends and cherish your memories. Mavis and family.

Our sincere sympathy to all the family.Joan was a wonderful friend at bowling and also a wonderful neighbor.

We send our deepest sympathies to all her family. We had known Joan since her daughter Terri married our son Frank.It was a pleasure to have known Joan all these years We will remember her. May she rest in peace

Please go to Memories and then Photographic Memories to see all the wonderful photos.

Dear Mom,

What a gift to have had you as my Mom . . . a gift to have shared a life with you so full, and to have grown up with you leading my way . . .

So many gifts from you to hold close. You gave me the gift of your family, your devoted parents and siblings, and these special ties are still with me today. So many of my fondest memories are wrapped up with you centre stage within the rollicking Marchant clan, congregating in a sibling's Montreal basement, often with you at the piano or organ. I remember a hush would fall within any crowd whenever you and one of your dear brothers would jitterbug, particularly to "In the Mood".

I remember you telling me about how shy you used to be, but you always shone at every party.

You gave me the gift of our family. You worked so very hard to provide for us after Earl moved to B.C., a single Mom of three. The strong bonds you forged between us then are still here today in our love for you, despite our later differences. I remember you moving us up the apartment ladder from a one-bedroom to a two, and you learning to drive to purchase that first car, the "putt putt" that somehow got us around town and up to the cottage in Weir.

You shared your love of colour and of clothing with me too. The red and black you chose for the girls' bedroom in the St. Germain house we shared with Henry, now lives in my own dining room. I remember you cursing the yellow for the cottage bedroom that forced coat after coat of paint. You always looked so elegant as you headed to the train for work each day, and somehow you squeezed in a sewing course to create my confirmation dress, later transforming it for my Grade 7 graduation. I remember, too, how you chose to mark my high school graduation with the unexpected rental of a white fur jacket, beyond my wildest dreams.

You bestowed upon me your love of pets. I remember the intrigue surrounding our first kitten, Twinkles, a desperately-hoped-for surprise for Christmas, who disappeared on Boxing Day only to reappear in a bureau drawer . . . and how you rescued Munch on a golf course, and bequeathed her to me, to brighten my own and my children's lives for a great many years.

It was a gift to finally see you leave most of that hard work behind to relax with Harry, your ever-evolving menagerie of pets (including the deer that came to your back door) and your beloved grandchildren in Weir, the home of your heart. But you did work hard there too, continually puttering about the cottage and its land (including climbing the roof to shovel off the snow!), and organizing a bowling league, teaching line-dancing, creating crafts and befriending so many others.

. . . and your appreciation of friendship has been a whole lot of gifts in one. I watched you create lifelong friends through your smile and your laugh, your compassion and your desire to help. The fondness you felt for all those dear souls you touched through so many years has been reciprocated ten-fold, and is one reason why you are so missed.

And last, something I couldn't have admitted to years ago, you gave me the gift of your face. The resemblance between us has been striking to everybody else since my childhood. Much as it might have pained me then, I've come to welcome it. I'll be able to do exactly what you said you could do with Auntie Eileen - look in the mirror and have a conversation with you forever.

For these many gifts and for much more, you will always be in my heart, and in my mind, and in that mirror, Mom.

I will always think of Mrs Potter ( as I would never think of calling her Joan even as an adult)as my second mother.I spent a great deal of my childhood at her home or cottage. During a time when so many other mothers were "housewives", she drove a car and worked full time. I always admired her strength and independance.Although as a mother she ran a tight ship, she was always very nurturing to her children (and their friends).I remember being envious of the giant size Easter bunnies she bought for her kids and the amount of board games she had accumulated for them over the years. I remember summers in Weir when she was definately in her element. Mrs Potter was also a great friend to my parents. I remember lying in bed and listening to her laughter as the adults played bridge.

Mrs Potter definately made a big impact on my life growing up and she will always be fondly remembered in my heart.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Our sincere condolences.

Heartfelt condolences to Lori, Scott and Terri and your families. So very many wonderful childhood memories are of growing up with you all up North! Keep Aunt Joan alive in your memories and hearts. Hugs, Kim

I have many, many fond memories of spending the summers with Auntie Joan and my cousins at the cottage. In particular, I recall how Auntie would read these great books and then tell us all about them. She was one of my favourite Aunts and touched my heart as a little girl. Thank you Auntie Joan for all the great summer memories and for being such a loving person.

Feeding the deer has become something of a tradition in our little corner of the north. A tradition that, if no one else, Grandma can be attributed for. During the winters she had a great view of them from her kitchen window right into the woods where they would come plodding down through the snow to stand patiently staring at the house. They stood there forever with the impatient gaze patented by their species,"I'm hungry and I know you're in there."; I will always remember being amazed at how close she could get to the deer and how utterly calm they were around this strange human in their midst. From the way they reacted, it was clear to me that she was no stranger to them and had earned their trust. Striding out into the cold, margarine container full of feed in hand, Grandma performed her self-appointed duties. I remember watching Grandma from her kitchen, walking up into the woods, bundled up in her coat, sprinkling the food as she went. There was one deer that must have been an old friend, Buck, easily twice her size and with a full head of horns, his light brown coat dusted with snow. He was a creature to be respected, yet as I watched the pair of them marching slowly towards the other in the snowy woods, neither seemed concerned at the other's presence. Sprinkling some food down I watched in bright-eyed awe, straining to hold myself on the counter with my elbows, as this big forest king stepped next to my grandmother and began to eat. Whether my young fertile mind played tricks on me or I saw as clear as the winter air, what I saw next will stay with me for a long time to come. I watched as Grandma stepped next to him and to my surprise placed her hand on his broad back. I couldn't see her face but I am sure she must have smiled. She stayed there next to the crowned beast as he ate and simply enjoyed the peace of the moment, a rare interaction between our two species that ended as peacefully as it began. It could be that my mind was playing tricks on me that day or time has skewed my memory, but regardless of the imagination of my youth, Grandma began a tradition that I am proud to maintain. She took great care of the deer and had a name for each, diligently heading up each day to ensure they were fed throughout the bitter winters. One day I hope to gain the trust of the next forest king, as she had in her time.

To Laurie and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I remember her as a lovely and caring woman and hope that you will find peace in the cherished memories you have of her.

How can I possibly put into words all the wonderful memories I have of mom.

I remember crying so hard on the first day of Kindergarten that mom had to stay with me.

I remember mom giving me Toni's every Saturday night so my hair would be curly for Sunday church.

I remember mom packing dry mustard in the toes of my skates to keep them warm, and then I remember my toes being frozen anyway, but my socks were always a lovely shade of yellow.

I remember being so proud to call mom at work and tell her to come home as soon as she could so I could show her that I no longer needed training wheels - I think I was 8 !

And being so happy because my Mom was one of my Brownie leaders with Auntie Norma.

Mom letting me drive on the winding roads up north with just my learners permit. She always said that was the best way to learn.

Mom and I worked for about 6 years together at Thought Technology. She taught me all about bookkeeping, so I would be ready to take over for her when she retired.

There were Hallowe'en parties at Maplewood Inn and Christmas parties at Whiskey Jack's. Mom was always ready for a party.

There were cribbage games, card games and board games. Mom was always up for the challenge.

I went to her line dancing class with her up north, and everyone told me how much they loved mom, and how she made everything so much fun.

And then in the last several months, it was all about Tim's coffee, oatmeal and raisin cookies, pictures and stories from long ago. Mom sure led and interesting life, and she had some great stories to tell. Some secrets she shared and some she kept with her - I still wonder about that "lady in the back office" .

She was a loving grandmother and mother and I will miss her every day, but as long as I have the memories and stories, I will never be without her.

Love you always, Mom xox

I remember..

Mum bundling us up and walking us to Grandma and Grandpas house so she could catch the morning train to work...

I remember the two bedroom apartment and Mum sleeping on the couch so her children could have their own bedrooms, and then sharing that couch after a bad dream...

I remember homework help at the kitchen table in that apartment and sitting on the washing machine during the spin cycle...

I remember Mum teaching me to ride a two wheeler...

I remember Mum running warm water over my frozen toes after hours skating at the park...

I remember stockings filled at the end of my bed Christmas morning...

I remember Mum waking me so I could watch a man walk on the moon...

I remember the lesson she taught me during pee-wee baseball...

I remember Mum taking time so I could practice my driving...

I remember leaving the house in anger and the forgiveness when I returned...

I remember weekly home cooked meals after I'd moved out...

I remember the joy on her face when our children were born...

I remember her concern after I was injured...

I remember dentist visits and lunch at the Manoir...

I remember chatting over double doubles and donuts in Vankleek Hill...

I remember the quiet times in Hawkesbury...

I remember...

I'll remember

Terri, Scott, Laurie and families....Words can not express how sorry I was to hear of your Mom's passing. I have many fond memories of your family...at the house, the cottage, many wedding dances. I loved hearing Aunt Joan's stories, especially about how bratty my Dad was! Take care of yourselves and you are all in our thoughts. Valerie, Scott, Bryan, Sharon and Andrew

I just wanted to let you all know that I will miss your Mom's smiling face every day. It was a pleasure to have known her as well all of you.God Bless.

Terri, Laurie and Scott; Our hearts are with you right now. Auntie Joan will be missed dearly. From her stories, which made us laugh, to her smile that warmed us, to her hugs which always made us feel special. Love Dawn, Ed, Jordan and Leann xo

Whenever I had the chance to visit my Uncle Harry and Joan I was always greeted by Joan's radiant smile. We shared a love of animals and her kind nature was always evident. She was special.

Scott,Sandra and Family Our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..

To Terri, Scott, Laurie and families. Our most sincere condolences go out to all of you at this very sad time. Your Mom was a wonderful lady who shared her true warmth with all of those who were so fortunate to have met her. We appreciate the many years of Love and Devotion Joan gave to my Dad (Harry). Hopefully they are together again, in the most wonderful of places, we call Heaven.

Your Mum had a special place in our hearts from the day we first met her. She was a beautiful, caring woman. We send our deepest sympathies and love to you all at this most sorrowful time.

To Laurie,Scott and Terri, My heart goes out to you all on the loss of your Mom,and my Auntie Joan.I have so many fond memories of your Mom and I will always keep them dear to my heart.May you take comfort in knowing that her family and loved ones.that have gone before,are with her now.. Love always,Debbie,John,Christina and John August.

Dear Terri, Scott, Laurie and families. My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother, my sister-in-law and dear friend.

Laurie and family, Our sincere condoleances. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Laurie and Ken, Randi and I offer you our sympathies on the passing of your Mom. Donald

Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Mom and Grandmother. She was definitely a sweet lady and her smile was infectious. Your wonderful memories of her will keep her alive in your hearts and will bring smiles to your faces, as the pain of your loss subsides. Steven and Lynn

My Dad knew Joan from the Brokerage firm LJ Forget, and Josh hired Joan when she left. I had the joy of working with Joan for many years, until her daughter Laurie took over her Bookkeeper position. She was the light in our lives.

Scott,Sandra and family I will always remember Joan's smile and kind ways. My deepest sympathy

Tim and Nicki made a donation to OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY

We are thinking of you all- such a difficult time for families.

Sandi made a donation to FONDATION RESIDENCE PRESCOTT-RUSSELL RESIDENCE FOUNDATION

Dear Terri, Laurie and Scott I am so sorry. Your Mom was one of my most favourite persons. I can still recall her ever-present smile and gutsy laugh. She reminded me so much of my Mom. I loved her dearly. Love Sandi

Sandi made a donation to FONDATION RESIDENCE PRESCOTT-RUSSELL RESIDENCE FOUNDATION

Dear Terri, Laurie and Scott I am so sorry. Your Mom was one of my most favourite persons. I can still recall her ever-present smile and gutsy laugh. She reminded me so much of my Mom. I loved her dearly. Love Sandi

Carol and Dave Holt made a donation to OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies. I'll miss you aunt Joan. You were always there for me. Carol

Paul & Diane made a donation to OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY

Our thoughts are with the family at this very sorrowful time. May all the special memories of your Mum and GrandMum bring a smile to your face.

Diane & Ken made a donation to OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY

Dear Terri, Scott & Laurie, Frank, Sandra & Ken, sending our love and thoughts to you. Knowing Joan's love of animals, I believe should would be so pleased with your choice of this charity.

The Charest Family made a donation to FONDATION RESIDENCE PRESCOTT-RUSSELL RESIDENCE FOUNDATION

Dear Terri, Frank, Hannah, Spencer and extended family, We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies. Liz, Bob and family