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In memory of
Ethel Joan Severn
October 2, 1922 - January 18, 2021
Oct 2, 1922 - Jan 18, 2021
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Ethel Joan's obituary
She was born Ethel Joan Severn on October 2, 1922 to Ethel and Frank Mitchley in the south west of England.
Raised in a large family with many siblings she was the third youngest of eight children. Her childhood was filled with fond memories of an eventful household that mixed duty and responsibility with fun and mischief.
In 1936, after completing high school at the age of fourteen, she obtained employment packing garments and later as a retail clerk at Lewis's dept store in Birmingham.
In December 1941, Joan joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS). Her responsibilities included clerical work, the care of Naval Officers and assisting civilians during Air Raids. She eventually became a district communicator delivering messages by bicycle in Dover, one of the central hubs of the British Forces that sustained numerous Air Raids and bomb attacks.
A few years earlier, a young man from Joan’s neighbourhood spotted her from a distance and promptly announced that he had found the girl he was going to marry. She eventually got married to the persistent and charming young man named Harold Severn.
They wed in June of 1943 during the Second World War. In the years to follow, their two children Roy and Linda were born.
In 1952, the family immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. After a few trips back to England, they eventually made Canada their permanent home living in various cities out west, before finally settling in Toronto.
Joan worked as a Fashion Consultant with Holt Renfrew for many years, a role in which she excelled given her natural flair for style and her enchanting personality.
In her later years she remained very active through her volunteer work with Trillium Health Centre, various activities with her seniors groups, her many friends and admirers at church and through social outings with her family and friends in the community, who cherished her dearly.
Joan was passionate about life and when she wasn’t brightening someone’s day with her charm and wit, she could likely be found in her beautiful backyard garden, painting or sketching at her easel or enjoying a nice chat over the phone with a friend or relative.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Harold, her parents and her seven siblings. She will be greatly missed by her son Roy, daughter Linda, daughter-in-law Rosalie, son-in-law Ted, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
We will always hold dear Mom's last words to us, "Love you, love you, love you", and "I am very happy.”
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Memories & condolences
Auntie Joan was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. She radiated happiness, was generous, funny, wise, loya…
Auntie Joan was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. She radiated happiness, was generou…
Auntie Joan was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. …
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Created with love by
Wayne Ogilvie (Ethel Joan's family friend).
