COCHRANE, Joan M. (née Foster)
A beacon of love and selfless service, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 14, 2026. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Joan lived a life marked by faith, family, and community service before passing away peacefully in Guelph, Ontario. Family was the heart of Joan’s world. Her home provided a warm and welcoming place for friends and family. In her early years, she was raised by loving parents, Stephen and Minvera Foster along with her sister Patricia Foster. As the years went on her family grew. Joan is now lovingly remembered by her children, Sandra (Jack) O’Connor, Stephen Cochrane (Laura), Anne (Kirby) Wittich, Philip (Margaret) Cochrane, and Jennifer (Dean) Kingswell. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, John Paul (Lysanne), Alex, Nathan, Allyson, Jeremy, and Sarah, as well as her great-grandchildren, Emery, Landon, and Luke. Joan also leaves behind a much-cherished sister-in-law, Annie Marie Spencer. A devout Christian, Joan’s faith was the cornerstone of her life; she was very dedicated to the Anglican Church. As a member of the church, Joan was involved in the outreach committee, the alter guild, Bible studies, merry widows and quilting. She was instrumental in establishing the Parkinson Society in Guelph and Fergus alongside her husband, Mel, who predeceased her in April of 2000. Joan’s community spirit also found other outlets in Beta Sigma Phi and the Red Hat Ladies. Joan’s career began at the Toronto Public Library in 1942. Her professional journey was diverse, culminating in her role as the co-owner and bookkeeper of Mel’s Cigar Store and the Guelph Gray Coach Concession Store in the late ‘80s. Beyond Joan’s career and community involvement, she had many personal interests. During her 60s, 70s and 80s, if you didn’t find her at her trailer she was probably tending her garden plot at Maple leaf acres. Joan had a passion for history, and she could usually draw from her knowledge historical facts that related to the conversation. She was also committed to continuing the work her father had started tracing their genealogy. She was very proud that she could trace her mother’s side back to the time of Henry the 8th. Joan was also an avid reader and during most evenings you could hear her reading books or newspapers to her husband, Mel. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 12:00pm to 1:45pm at St. James Anglican Church, 171 Queen Street East Fergus, ON N1M 1T2. A funeral service will follow at 2:00pm with a light reception to culminate the day. Interment will be held at Memory Gardens, Breslau in the spring. As expressions of sympathy, donations can made to St. James Anglican Church, Fergus, Ontario or Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Arrangements were entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home Ltd., 280 St. David St. S. Fergus, ON N1M 2L5, (519) 843-3100. Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Joan’s online memorial.
