Obituary for Joan Fakas
Fakas, Joan (Mariash, Crosina) - Passed away of complications from dementia and COVID-19 on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 78 years young.
Loving and devoted mother to Andrea and proud Baba to Max, dearest sister to Mary Skalosky (Terry) and cherished Aunt Joan/Ciocia to the families of Sandra Dawson (Ashley, Georgia, Alex), Tosh & Elaine Skalosky (Tosh Jr, Sam, Hannah, Ellie) and Richard & JoAnn Skalosky (Isla, Will). She was the daughter of Dimitri (Mike) and Aniela (Nellie) and a relative to many family members in Poland.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Joan was accomplished in sports and academics at Central Secondary School. After a few years at Stelco, she began her lifelong teaching career with the Scarborough Board of Education. She shaped the minds of students both young and old, through high school and adult education classes in Business and Physical Education. She coached volleyball and tennis teams, was a tennis convenor and OFSSA co-chair, and rarely travelled anywhere without being recognized by former students, who gushed about the impact she had on them.
As a single working Mom, Joan successfully earned her degree from the University of Toronto. This was no small feat and was an achievement that brought her tremendous pride.
But the words that come to mind are those from the Sound of Music (slightly adapted): How do you solve a problem like Joannie? How do you catch a star and pin her down? The answer is: you don’t.
‘Joannie Baloney’ was a free spirit through and through.
Joan was active and athletic. During her year at Ryerson University, she earned the Female Athlete of the Year Award and was MVP of the basketball team. She could often be found on a tennis court, was a ‘threat at the net’ on the volleyball court and enjoyed great times on the golf course.
She never met a furry friend she didn’t love or wouldn’t share her drink with. She even adopted some from other countries (more than once!).
Her love of travel was unparalleled. She would jump at the chance to plan trips with family and friends, and always found time to return almost 30 times to her favourite spot – Bermuda.
She was a true Hamilton Tiger Cat fan, having grown up just a few houses away from their home stadium. Who else besides Joan would don a full tiger suit, parade around the Rogers Centre and antagonize the Argo fans with chants of ‘Oskee Wee Wee’?!
She loved to laugh and made sure everyone around her did too. Her smile (and gams!) would light up a room, and if there was an empty dance floor, it sure wasn’t empty for long.
Her gift of the gab was renowned. Her ability to strike up a conversation and connect with absolutely anyone, young or old, made her a joy to be around….unless, of course, you were waiting for her to finish a conversation!
Joan had an incredible zest for life. Her enthusiasm was un-matched and she left an impression on everyone she met. She lived her life to the fullest and never let a good time pass her by. Her mantra was ‘Carpe Diem’ and she did just that.
She was a true gem who made everyone around her a little happier. The world will be less fun, but the roads will be a whole lot safer!
She will be missed by everyone that had the honour of knowing her.
Joan’s ideal Celebration of Life would include family and friends, music and dancing, big hugs, loads of laughter and a few shots of rye! Joan will be celebrated this way at a future date when it is safe to do so. Until then, please feel free to share fond memories of Joan on the Memory Wall section at the top of this memorial page.
While Joan made homes in Scarborough, Unionville and Port Perry, and spent many winter months in Mexico, her heart always remained in Hamilton, which is where her memorial niche will reside.
Special thanks to all the staff at The Willows Estate, especially Dr. Michael Dawson, for their tremendous care and compassion over the last few years.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, the SPCA or any charity of your choice.
Loving and devoted mother to Andrea and proud Baba to Max, dearest sister to Mary Skalosky (Terry) and cherished Aunt Joan/Ciocia to the families of Sandra Dawson (Ashley, Georgia, Alex), Tosh & Elaine Skalosky (Tosh Jr, Sam, Hannah, Ellie) and Richard & JoAnn Skalosky (Isla, Will). She was the daughter of Dimitri (Mike) and Aniela (Nellie) and a relative to many family members in Poland.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Joan was accomplished in sports and academics at Central Secondary School. After a few years at Stelco, she began her lifelong teaching career with the Scarborough Board of Education. She shaped the minds of students both young and old, through high school and adult education classes in Business and Physical Education. She coached volleyball and tennis teams, was a tennis convenor and OFSSA co-chair, and rarely travelled anywhere without being recognized by former students, who gushed about the impact she had on them.
As a single working Mom, Joan successfully earned her degree from the University of Toronto. This was no small feat and was an achievement that brought her tremendous pride.
But the words that come to mind are those from the Sound of Music (slightly adapted): How do you solve a problem like Joannie? How do you catch a star and pin her down? The answer is: you don’t.
‘Joannie Baloney’ was a free spirit through and through.
Joan was active and athletic. During her year at Ryerson University, she earned the Female Athlete of the Year Award and was MVP of the basketball team. She could often be found on a tennis court, was a ‘threat at the net’ on the volleyball court and enjoyed great times on the golf course.
She never met a furry friend she didn’t love or wouldn’t share her drink with. She even adopted some from other countries (more than once!).
Her love of travel was unparalleled. She would jump at the chance to plan trips with family and friends, and always found time to return almost 30 times to her favourite spot – Bermuda.
She was a true Hamilton Tiger Cat fan, having grown up just a few houses away from their home stadium. Who else besides Joan would don a full tiger suit, parade around the Rogers Centre and antagonize the Argo fans with chants of ‘Oskee Wee Wee’?!
She loved to laugh and made sure everyone around her did too. Her smile (and gams!) would light up a room, and if there was an empty dance floor, it sure wasn’t empty for long.
Her gift of the gab was renowned. Her ability to strike up a conversation and connect with absolutely anyone, young or old, made her a joy to be around….unless, of course, you were waiting for her to finish a conversation!
Joan had an incredible zest for life. Her enthusiasm was un-matched and she left an impression on everyone she met. She lived her life to the fullest and never let a good time pass her by. Her mantra was ‘Carpe Diem’ and she did just that.
She was a true gem who made everyone around her a little happier. The world will be less fun, but the roads will be a whole lot safer!
She will be missed by everyone that had the honour of knowing her.
Joan’s ideal Celebration of Life would include family and friends, music and dancing, big hugs, loads of laughter and a few shots of rye! Joan will be celebrated this way at a future date when it is safe to do so. Until then, please feel free to share fond memories of Joan on the Memory Wall section at the top of this memorial page.
While Joan made homes in Scarborough, Unionville and Port Perry, and spent many winter months in Mexico, her heart always remained in Hamilton, which is where her memorial niche will reside.
Special thanks to all the staff at The Willows Estate, especially Dr. Michael Dawson, for their tremendous care and compassion over the last few years.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, the SPCA or any charity of your choice.