Joan Marie SIMPSON

BANKS, Joan Marie - After a lengthy struggle with complications from Alzheimers, at Marshall Gowland Manor on Tuesday, October 14, 2008, Joan Marie (Simpson) Banks, age 78 of Bright's Grove. Beloved wife of Peter. Loving mother of Cynthia (Alan) Gorth and Krista (Rob) Rodenhuis. Cherished grandmother of Amy, Eric, Laura and Mark Gorth and Deneen, Jill and Olivia Rodenhuis. Dear sister of John (Shirley) Simpson and Barbara and the late Clarence Carter. Joan was a former kindergarten teacher with the Lambton County Board of Education. She was very active in Lambton Wildlife Incorporated in the early years and was one of the fifteen Charter Directors. She was also a former President of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Joan was an expert on orchid culture and won many prizes for best-in-show with her exhibits in London, Toronto, Detroit and Midland. Cake decorating was one of her hobbies at one time. She was considered by many to be the premier decorator in the area then, and taught cake decorating at Lambton College for several seasons. Joan was a world traveler with her husband, supported artists in every country she visited and has left many friends in the field. A celebration of Joan's life will be held for friends, neighbours, associates and family at the Sarnia Riding Club, 980 Riding Club Lane, Sarnia on Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Marshall Gowland Manor for their excellent care of Joan the past three years. It would be very much appreciated if donations in memory of Joan were made in lieu of flowers, to Lambton Wildlife Incorporated, Box 681, Sarnia, N7T 7J7, to the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia- Lambton, 1121 Wellington St., Sarnia, N7S 6J7, or to the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca Arrangements entrusted to SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. 11280773