Joan Mcrae

MCRAE, JOAN

nee Michie

Marjorie Joan McLean Michie McRae left the departure lounge and her plane took off on January 11, 2020, age 103 leaving behind many relatives and friends.  Joan was born August 8, 1916 near London, England, the first of 4 children born to Marybel, a concert pianist, and Graeme Michie.  After Joan graduated from Benenden Boarding School in 1932, she worked in the fashionable London of the 30's.  By the start of WWII, red-haired and glamorous, Joan elected to stay in London doing valuable war work.  Her flat was bombed 3 times during The Blitz while many of her friends were killed during the war.  It was in London too where she met George (Bud) McRae and married in 1944.  Following the war, in 1946 Joan and daughter Caroline made a stormy winter sea crossing to Halifax on the Letitia with 100 other war brides and children.  To be with George, Joan's ultimate destination was Campbellton on the north shore of N.B. where she was greeted by snow to the roof tops and freezing weather.  Bad luck soon struck as all 3 suffered serious illnesses. In 1948, the family moved to Halifax where Paul was born, followed by many moves, before retiring in Ottawa.  After George died in 2001, Joan continued to live in the house, by herself, driving her car and proudly independent, with her relatives and neighbours help, until she had a fall at age 102.  Joan lived a long and full life,  She was active socially and was an avid collector of news clippings, trivia, jokes and magazines.  She was well known for her generosity, passion for her charities, and sense of humour.  Joan also put a new face to determination.  We wish to thank cousins Charlotte and Connie McRae, Kevin Adair plus staff of Colonel By Retirement Residence for their kindness, and dedication.  Visitation will be held at the

Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes

3440 Richmond Rd, Ottawa (between Bayshore and Baseline Rd)

on Saturday, February 15th from 1 p.m. until time of service in the chapel at 2 p.m.  Reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Mission, SOS Villages, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Cornerstone Housing for Women or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.  Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com