Joan Dehler

Mary JOAN Sylvia (née Ventura) Dehler completed her earthly journey at age 93, on June 27, 2025. She left her life and those who have loved her so dearly, peacefully, in her sleep.

Although Joan had attained an advanced age and her health had declined during the past months, her family members are deeply saddened by their great loss. According to them, Joan was a remarkable woman: she lived her life with grace and dignity, as a devoted mother to her daughters Mary Anne (David), Elizabeth, Christina (Carlos), and Jennifer (Joseph); a splendid spouse to Robert (who pre-deceased her in 2007); as a wonderful presence in the lives of her seven grandchildren Sarah (Trevor), Alexandra (Kent), Hanna, Olivia, Eva (Max), Elsa and Willem, and to her two great-grandchildren Adeline and Daphne. To all of us in her orbit, Joan was a steady, unwavering hand and an exemplary role model. She died in a state of grace and is now resting in peace.

Joan Ventura grew up in Little Italy in a full and lively household with her parents, five younger brothers and sisters, and two uncles. According to her family, she was an extremely good-natured child — no fussing or antics or dramatics — an excellent student, and a loving big sister who encouraged her siblings in their endeavours.

After graduating from the High School of Commerce, Joan worked for the CBC as an executive assistant to two vice-presidents until she left to become a full-time mother, spouse, and homemaker. Once her four daughters were in school, she worked for many years (part-time and eventually full-time) as an office administrator in insurance and then as an academic counsellor at Carleton University’s School of Business until she retired. Her popularity among the School’s students led to the naming of an event in her honour: the Joan Dehler Annual Charity Volleyball Tournament.

Aside from her family and working life, Joan found pleasure in reading, going to concerts, the cinema, and the theatre, and listening to classical, opera, jazz and popular music. Joan also enjoyed skating, tennis, curling, and relaxing outdoors.

A talented and adventurous cook and baker, Joan was also a fine gardener, seamstress, and upholsterer, and she loved to knit, crochet, and embroider. Indeed, she took pride in her home and her family, and was never less than beautifully dressed (including in clothes she had expertly made for herself). Her first-rate sewing and tailoring also ensured that her four girls were well turned out.

Joan was an avid traveller and in addition to visiting multiple Canadian provinces and cities, she travelled to many countries in Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas — often accompanied by her daughters or sisters, or to visit her daughters who resided in, or were travelling to, various locales.

Those who knew Joan will remember her broad smile and laughter, her faith, and her ability to be kind to, and accepting of, everyone she encountered. She led her life elegantly, in quiet contentment, and with deep gratitude for the many graces and blessings she had been afforded.

Joan’s family extends deep thanks for the care and kindness provided by the staff at Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ontario Health and the Carefor team. The family also expresses their tremendous and heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, medical team, staff and administrators at Thorncliffe Place, where Joan resided for the past three months. They have been truly brilliant: capable, attentive, kind-hearted, compassionate, and they exceeded expectations at every turn.

A mass to honour dear Joan will be held on July 16 at 11 a.m. at Saint Mark’s Church, in Gatineau (Aylmer), 160 Principale Street, followed by a reception at Château Monsarrat, 100 Rue Du Château, Gatineau. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shepherds of Good Hope are appreciated.