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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PELLY, Joan Campbell (née FRASER) - 94, of Toronto, passed away at home on Friday, August 18, 2017 ending a long and happy life. She was born in Toronto in 1923, the daughter of Leila (Larkin) and John C. Fraser. During the Second World War she served proudly with the Wrens (WRCNS), intercepting and transcribing Morse code radio messages from German U-boats in the Atlantic. During that time, in late 1944 she met a dashing Royal Navy officer, newly arrived in Canada for flight training. Within weeks, she and John K. Pelly were engaged to be married. The wedding took place in Toronto in 1946. The young couple settled in Toronto where they raised their family and enjoyed a fulfilling life together. In addition to working full-time as wife and mother, Joan undertook a number of volunteer service roles, most notably with the Women's Auxiliary at the Hospital for Sick Children, but also at her churches, her children's youth programs, and Meals-on-Wheels – she was always held in high regard by her community. Joan was predeceased by her devoted husband John in 2009; by her grandson Eric Ayalik Pelly in 2014; by her parents John and Leila Fraser; and by brothers Edward, Charles (Bud) and John Fraser, with their wives and an infant sister. She is survived by her children: David (Laurie), Gail (David Henry) and Brian (Lynn); by six grandchildren Kimberly, Robyn and Laura Henry and Heather, Kyle (Katie) and Colleen Pelly; by one great-grandson Hudson Pelly; and by many nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ayalik Fund, or to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. A private family service and interment at her husband's side in St. Philip's Churchyard, Weston, Ontario, will be held at a later date. (The Toronto Star 25 Aug 2017)
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