Remembering Joan Devlin

Joan Yvonne Devlin passed away peacefully at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto on Saturday, May 9, 2026, just three days after celebrating her 91st birthday. She was surrounded by the love of her children in her final moments.

 

Born in Strathroy, Ontario, and raised on the shores of Lake Huron in Southampton, Ontario, Joan dedicated her life to the care of others. A 1956 graduate of The Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing, her distinguished career spanned over 40 years.

 

She specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with an expertise in high-risk pregnancies at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, where she was deeply respected by colleagues and a pillar of support for countless women and their families. Ever the lifelong learner, Joan returned to Ryerson College at the age of 40 to further her education and nursing expertise.

 

Joan was a woman of vibrant spirit and deep faith. She was an active member of St.Luke’s Anglican Church in Toronto and St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Southampton. Her love for the arts and music was a constant thread in her life from her early days in the church choir, to Big Band and swing music in Grey Bruce County to her later years enjoying jazz at C’est What, and the Southampton Golf Club and classical music at the Toronto Symphony. She filled her life with theatre, dance, art, craft shows and long drives through the countryside.

 

A “beautiful swimmer” of Lake Huron, Joan remained deeply connected to Southampton where her father Horace had established the Fitton-Parker furniture company that held a significant place in Canadian manufacturing history. Whilst based in Toronto she cherished her summers at her cottage in Southampton. She was an active member of Rotary, the local Legion, a member of the “noodle ladies” and like many others, prioritised any opportunity to enjoy the glorious sunsets over the lake. She will be remembered for her grace, her sharp sense of humour, and her unique ability to truly Listen.

 

Joan was the adored mother and role model to Jill Cannon (Geoff), Chris Devlin (Joanne), and Megan Devlin-Preiksa (Tim Preiksa). She was the incredibly proud Nana to Taya and Todd Devlin, and Griffin and Landon Preiksa.

 

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Horace (1947) and Gladys (1974) Fitton; her brother Arthur (2006) and sister-in-law Elaine (2007); her former husband, Edwin Devlin (2013); and in-laws Bruce and Evelyn Devlin. She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Janet Flett (Norman), her nephew Peter Fitton (Tori) and sister-in-law Lillian Devlin-Szego, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family across Canada, the U.S., and England.

 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mount Sinai Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion during her brief illness.