Obituary of Joan Mary Olmsted

Olmsted, Joan (nee Sanders) After an illness, on Monday May 16th, 2011. Joan was the beloved wife of Charles Olmsted. Loving mother of Peter (Laurra), Barbara (Heather), Paul (Sandra), and Nancy. Proud grandmother of James, Charlie, Adam, and William. Family had always been a central part of Joan’s life. Each of the children has had success with piano exams and festivals, and Joan often attributed their success in other aspects of life to their musical training. Sports played a big part of family activities. Joan was always the most vocal cheerleader at track meets, canoeing regattas, and ski races. Joan and Charles attended two Olympic Games (1984 – Los Angeles and 1988 – Seoul) to encourage and cheer their daughters. The family home on Trout Lake was always a hub of activity, summer and winter. Joan always treasured her time down at the dock, boating with Charles and swimming with her dog Panda. In earlier years, the couple enjoyed sailing on Lake Nipissing. When not following the children to various sporting events, Joan and Charles took every opportunity to see the world. Their most memorable trips included those to Calgary (Peter’s home), South Africa (to visit their son Paul, who, at the time was working in a gold mine), Spain, Tunisia, Tuscany, South America, England, and France. Joan loved music. She taught piano lessons for over 64 years, touching the lives of many young aspiring musicians. She was a proud member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and was actively involved locally for the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. Another of Joan’s passions was cooking & entertaining. When not in her studio working with her students, Joan could be found in her kitchen creating another gourmet meal for family and friends. Joan was also a long standing member of the IODE and past president of the North Bay Symphony Society. Friends may call at the Martyn Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church on Saturday at 10 am. Interment to follow at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Bay Regional Hospital MRI fund would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com