Corbett, Joan Edit page

Thora Joan Corbett

Joan Corbett passed peacefully on Thursday October 31, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving son Billy (Dan) and daughter Amanda (Rob). She is survived by her husband Grant, whom she was absolutely devoted to for over 50 years. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Sherrill and Moira as well as many nieces and nephews. Joan was an amazing “Nanny” to her beloved grandchildren Caleigh (Robert), Cameron, Kennedy (Dawson), Ben and Kylie. She will be watching from above as you “forward march” into your futures.

Born in Toronto but moved to Hamilton at the age of 5, where she grew up on the Beach Strip. She could talk for hours about her youth in this vibrant community. For the last several years, Joan was an active member of the Tuesday Seniors Euchre and Bingo club at the Beach Rescue Hall. After high school, she attended teachers college and taught primary grades mostly at Fruitland and Mountainview schools. Joan remained in touch with several of her fellow teachers and will be missed at their lunch gatherings.

In the mid 70s, Joan decided to try her hand at business. She started a home party plan and also had a popular flea market booth on Sundays. A good day at the market was always celebrated with Chinese food picked up on the way home. The business outgrew the flea market and she leased a retail store in Battlefield Square, Corbett's Limited Editions. Corbetts became one of the most successful independent collectible stores in Canada. Joan said doing what she loved so much was never like work. She was a wonderful boss, always supportive and encouraging. Corbetts was a happy place, where everyone was treated like family, Joan was thrilled to be a part of keepsakes and collections for so many people.

Joan and her husband Grant spent many winters in sunny Florida at Tree Lakes Resort. She enjoyed not just the weather, but so many wonderful friends she looked forward to seeing again each year. Joan was a joyful person, always smiling and finding the funny side of every situation. She had a gift for giving advice, and guiding those around her to have confidence in themselves. She truly was one of a kind. Her bright light will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Joan did not want to be contained after she passed away. Her wish is to have a celebration of life where her ashes fly into the wind from the back of a seadoo on Lake Erie, where we made many memories with both family and friends. This gathering will be held in the Summer of 2025, anyone interested in attending is welcome to contact Bill or Amanda to be added to the guest list. In lieu of flowers, just raise a glass for “our Joanie,” an unforgettable classy lady.