Joan Elizabeth Dekruyf

Beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother.

Joan E. Dekruyf, aged 92, peacefully passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 11 in Hanover, Ontario, Joan lived a life rich with love, laughter, and compassion. Daughter of Harold Mercey and Ellen (Holden), Joan was the beloved wife of John Dekruyf (predeceased), sister to Janet Ottman and husband Royal Ottman (predeceased), Doug Mercey (predeceased) and wife Pat Mercey (predeceased). Devoted mother of Dr. Lisa Dayus and husband Brian Dayus and of Lori Woodford and husband John Woodford (predeceased). Loving grandmother of James (Danielle), Jonathan (Sarah) and Sarah (Anne-Marie) Dayus, along with Lianne (Natasha) and Kelly (Shawn) Woodford. Proud great grandmother to Lucy, Adrian, Everett and Mackenzie. 

Joan cherished her time in Joyland Beach, Ramara, where she resided from 1984 to 2014, before moving to Orillia, where she lived until her passing. A dedicated nurse, Joan attended nursing school in Guelph, where her passion for helping others flourished. She was awarded a scholarship to Western University, furthering her education and commitment to her craft. Joan’s remarkable career included serving as the Director of Nursing at Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe and later as the Clinical Coordinator of the Nursing Program at Seneca College. Her compassion and dedication made a lasting impact on her patients and students alike, and she was a cherished role model to many. 

In her retirement, Joan and her husband embraced adventure, spending a memorable winter in Rarotonga, followed by many joyous winters in Palm Harbor, Florida. Joan’s infectious smile and laughter brightened the lives of those around her. She was known for her kindness, driven spirit, and unwavering support for her loved ones. Now, she is reunited with her beloved husband, bringing comfort to those who knew their enduring love. Joan was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (99 Peter Street North Orillia) for over 40 years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Andrew’s, honouring Joan’s lifelong commitment to the church. In loving memory of Joan, whose journey was made more comfortable by the exceptional care at Soldiers Memorial Hospital, with heartfelt gratitude to Nurse Practitioner Susan Clark and the dedicated palliative care team for their compassion and support during her final days. Joan will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of compassion and warmth will forever live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

Arrangements have been entrusted with Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia. Cremation to take place. A private family interment will be held at St. Andrew's-St. James' Cemetery, 320 Coldwater Road West, Orillia, at a later date.