DAWKINS, Joan Thurza (Swinnerton)

February 1, 1924 –January 16, 2023

We are sad to announce that Thurza, 98, passed away suddenly in Kitchener on Monday, January 16. Survived by her beloved husband of 74 years, Derek.
Loving mother to Kay, Jeff (Carrol), and the late Chris (Peg). Grandmother to Brooke (Tony), Wes (Ali) and Joy, Greg (Stacey), Rachel (Chris), Emma (Zack). Great-Grandma (Grandma-Grandma) to Taylor, Zoe, James, Sofie and Abbie.

Thurza grew up as the only child of Myrtle and Aylmer Swinnerton in Ottawa, before going to the University of Toronto where she made many lasting friends, and graduated with a degree in Biochemistry. It was at that time that she met Derek who was a British Royal Navy pilot stationed in Canada for training during WW2. Thurza ventured to England after the war where they met up again and were married in 1948. They moved around often after returning to Canada in 1952 but settled in Toronto for an extended time with their kids. Sailing and swimming at the Boulevard club was a big part of their lives there, and the love of sailing continued for a time when they moved to St. Catharines in 1972. Thurza worked as a Lab Technologist at St. Catharines General Hospital, even after they moved to Fonthill. Thurza and Derek stayed in the Niagara region until 2015, when they returned to the Waterloo area where they had lived in the 1950’s.

Thurza and Derek spent many winters at Longboat Key in Florida, and the extended family have many happy memories of time at the beach and in the pool there. They also got to indulge their joint love of travelling, with cruising in far away places a frequent choice. Thurza loved to play bridge, and had many lasting friendships through this as well.

There is no visitation or service planned. In lieu of flowers, donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation, or Alzheimer’s Society would be welcome.

Condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca