Joan Marie Sparrow

SPARROW (nee COLLINS) Joan Marie It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our incredible mother, Joan Sparrow (nee Collins), on Saturday evening August 8th. She was serene in her final hours, surrounded by the family she so devotedly loved and in spirit by the family members unable to be present due to current travel restrictions. Our mother’s life was filled with tremendous adversity which she courageously overcame time and time again. She was widowed at a very young age and left to raise her six young children. Through her faith in God and love of family and friends, she grew ever more resilient and compassionate through each obstacle she faced. She was a powerful inspiration to everyone fortunate to know her and formed the bedrock of her ever-growing family. She was matriarch to not only her family but her community as well. She gave far more than she received, displaying selflessness and charity throughout her long and productive life. Her life was a testament to the power of love to overcome all and bring joy into this world. She was truly an extraordinary woman of remarkable bravery and strength. She was predeceased by her husband Noel, a man of great integrity, whose memory still casts a long shadow after all these years, her brothers Gus and Doug, and sisters Maureen and Ruth. She leaves with wonderful memories her six children, David (Janet), Michael (Sue), Peter (Sandi), Ann, Susan (John), and John (Ching Lien). Her grandchildren were privileged to share their lives with her; they include Noel, Ryan, Josh, Lucas, Amanda, Alex, Michael, Abby, Suanne, Megan, Nathan, Connor, Sarah, and great grandchildren Miriam and Dawson. She had dozens of nieces and nephews who all remember her strong spirit. Also leaving with warm memories her in laws, Joe and Francie, who saw her through her most challenging times, and the Ashley family who grew up with Mom and provided love and support throughout the years. Our mother’s social life was far reaching, it ranged from Greenbelt to Bally Hally, Mary Queen of Peace to her beloved card clubs. She leaves behind an enormous circle of friends and was active in all areas of society. Our mother possessed boundless energy and did all she could to contribute to the well-being and betterment of the community. We are all proud to have shared in her life and are better for it. A celebration of her life will be held with her immediate family at a later date. A private Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. from Mary Queen of Peace Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to MQP parish church and Stella’s Circle.