Barham, Joan
Barham, Joan
April 9, 1941 - January 21, 2021
Joan Barham, gregarious, kind-hearted, and full of life, passed away peacefully at her home in Guelph on January 21, 2021. Joan is lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard, their four children and partners, Vicky and Antoine, Lisa and Zé, Christopher and Tao, and Tania; her eight grandchildren and her great granddaughter, Aden, Anik, Clara, Cody, Jacqueline, Kateleen, Laurent, Nicolas, and Sila, and family in New Zealand.
Joan was born on April 9th, 1941, in Auckland, New Zealand. She studied dietetics at the University of Otago, and married Richard Barham in 1963. In 1976, they moved with their four children to Guelph, Ontario. She returned to university later in life earning a degree in gerontology from the University of Guelph.
Joan was devoted to improving the lives of children and seniors and promoted inclusive social change. She ran preschools in New Zealand and Canada and later, as the executive director of a social services agency, championed internet access and public transportation for rural communities. A tireless volunteer with Harcourt United Church in retirement, she continued to be solution-driven, advocating for the introduction of streaming technology to include those who were unable to attend in person. In her spare time Joan was an avid gardener and had an eye for design which was reflected in her beautiful and welcoming home and garden.
Joan was a loving and true partner to Richard, the best mother her children could have imagined, an involved grandmother and great grandmother, and a devoted friend to many. All those who knew her described her as generous, selfless and compassionate. Joan will always be remembered as ready to provide a helping hand, and for bringing family, friends, as well as people whom she had only recently met and from around the world to share a meal and laughter in her home.
She is an inspiration to us all, and her love of life and people will live on.
If you would like to make a donation in Joan’s honor please consider donating to Harcourt Memorial United Church live-stream fundraising initiative in memory of Joan Barham. Please click on the link below and indicate that the donation is in memory of Joan Barham and for the live-stream fundraising initiative. May Joan’s efforts to bring people together regardless of where they are live on.
