Marilyn Joan Player

It is with much love and great sorrow that the family of Joan (Marilyn) Player (Ferrante), announces her peaceful passing on April 8, 2023, while watched over and cared for by her family, at her home in Huntsville, Ontario.

Joan was the cherished mother to Laurie (Scott) Luttrell, and Carey Rhiness. She was a very special and proud Nanny to Shannan (Trevor), Dylan (Leita), Olivia, Charlotte, and her great-granddaughter, Gryffin. She was the dear sister of Marlene Gavel, Rick (Marlene) Ferrante, and close sister-in-law to Valerie Ferrante, Carol Ferrante and Terry White.

Joan was predeceased in death by her husband, Bill, father Joseph, mother Violet, brothers Paul, Robert, Joe, and sister, Barbara and brother-in-law, Jim.

Born November 16, 1937 to Joseph and Violet (West) Ferrante, of Emsdale, Ontario, Joan grew up surrounded by the love of her four brothers, two sisters and several very close cousins that she loved like brothers and sisters.

In 1964, Joan married Bill Player, from Gadshill, Ontario. Shortly after, they moved north and settled in Cochrane, Ontario. There, daughters Carey and Laurie arrived and Bill and Joan made friendships that she cherished for the rest of her life. Joan and Bill enjoyed curling and taking their family camping and fishing and on trips down “south” to visit family. These trips often resulted in big family get-togethers filled with plenty of love, laughter, country music, a little dancing and fanciful story-telling.

Joan longed to be closer to her extended family and, in January 1980, her wish came true when Bill’s request for a transfer from his employer went through and she and her family moved to Huntsville.

Family was the most important thing to Joan and she was always happiest when she was surrounded by her family, including, her brothers and sisters, their spouses and all of her nieces and nephews.  She also enjoyed time that she spent with her husband, Bill’s family and continued visits and phone calls after his passing in 1992.

Joan was an incredible “Nanny” to Shannan (Trevor), Dylan (Leita), Olivia, Charlotte and Gryffin. She had a special relationship with each one of them, and left them memories that they will continue to cherish. She loved talking about her family, and her grandchildren were at the top of her list!

Joan spent many years employed as a bank teller at Bank of Montreal, where she greeted everyone with a warm smile and a friendly word. She also spent a great deal of her time volunteering in areas that were important to her such as the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, The Friends of Fairvern, and making beautiful hats for Knitting for Global Warmth.

Mom fought many hard-won health battles in her lifetime. She always managed to defy the odds and return to spend more time with us. We are humbled and grateful for those extra moments, but there could never be enough.

Joan’s family would like to give special thanks to; Dr Lindsay MacMillan for her years of warm, kind and compassionate care, Al and the staff at Campus Trail Pharmacy for personal, above and beyond service, Sara and the PD team at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital in Orillia for her patience and kindness, and the wonderful Closing the Gap homecare nurses who brightened her final days.

In accordance with Joan’s wishes, in lieu of a funeral service, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at a later date with a small, family service.