RUNDLE, Joan Anne -
(May 15 1929 – April 3rd 2015)

“Sorry I’m late….”

These were probably the first words Joan said to Ted on Good Friday, when she passed this earthly plane back into the arms of her true love. The day after, what would have been Ted’s 100th birthday.

Joan Anne Rousseau was one of five children of Louis and Margaret Rousseau born in a small house on John St in Whitby, which was rich with love, laughter and song.
Siblings Louis, Mary and John predeceased Joan. Her sister and best friend Marcella Polson survives Joan.

Married to Arthur C (Ted) Rundle in 1949, they began their legacy with six children. Joan remains loved and cherished by her six children and their families; Greg (Karen), Marcy (Hugh Popham) Kevin (Lori) Deborah, Scott (Rhonda) Lisa (Michelle) and her first daughter-in-love Kelli. Joan’s legacy continues in her grandchildren, Luke (Paula), Sean (Kathy), Josh (Shelly), Courtney (Ian), Alexis, Sarah, Jared (Kim) Brianna, Cassie, Kiley, Cody, Katelyn, Jamie, Kaitlin. Great grandchildren Wyatt, Leah, Rowynn, Jakob, Hayley and Karyssa. Joan’s littlest angles are with her now, Logan, Lauren and Harper.

To say Joan was unique is an understatement. A fiery redhead who brought so much joy and sunshine to everyone she met. She loved her family fiercely. She would tell anyone who would listen that she had six wonderful children. She delighted in sharing too many details.

The world was Joan’s stage. At a very young age, Joan broke out into song…and never stopped. She loved to sing with her sister, Marcella. She would go on to start the London chapter of Sweet Adeline’s in the living room of her home. Joan’s children were often sung to sleep in four-part harmony. Back in Whitby, Joan joined The County Town Singers, where it was told she had the best legs in the bass section. Joan’s love of making people happy, especially seniors, gave her the perfect opportunity to don her “Pinky the Clown” outfit and sing at seniors’ homes several times a year. Former Mayor Des Newman decreed Joan the Official Whitby Town Clown.

Clowning around wasn’t enough. Theatre was also a big part of Joan’s life in Whitby. As life tends to imitate art, Joan’s favorite role was that of the Countess in “The Women”.

Joan lost the love of her life, Ted in 1975 when she was 44 years old. Joan reinvented herself and went on to to become an icon in the Real Estate industry where she had a very successful career for more than 20 years.

In retirement, Joan enjoyed Florida over the winter months. For the rest of the year, she delighted in finding ways to feed her family and friends.

Joan is resting at WC TOWN FUNERAL CHAPEL, 110 Dundas Street East, Whitby. The family invites you to a visitation on Tuesday April 7th 2-4 PM or 7-9 PM. A celebration of Joan’s life will take place in the Chapel of Town’s Funeral Home, Wednesday April 8th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome for the Alzheimer’s Society of Northumberland County.

Joan’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff and wonderful caregivers at Extendicare Cobourg especially Joan’s adopted angels, Sherri, Christine and Helen.

Online condolences at wctownfuneralchapel.com