May 5, 1936 - October 29, 2025

Joan Strack was born in Kitchener Ontario to Catherine and Wilhelm Strack. She had three siblings: Allen (Ericka Strack); Elizabeth (Ernie Charland) and Nancy (Wayne Clark). Joan married Wilhelm (“Willi”) Anweiler on October 11, 1957 and together they had four children: Patricia Anweiler (Robert Johnston); Rebecca Anweiler (Lorraine Chick); Jeffrey Anweiler (Angela Anweiler); and Jane Anweiler (Christopher Sherrin) and four beloved grandchildren: Conor William Anweiler Sherrin; Tobey Peter Anweiler Sherrin; Keiran McEwan Anweiler and Sarah Michel (Darryl Lindsay). Sarah gave her three adored great grandchildren: Hailey, Eryk and Ava.

Joan had an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager and placed her child, Bruce Hanley, for adoption. It was one of the happiest days of her life when they were reunited in April of1997 after he searched for her online, finding one of the many sources where she’d left her contact information. Bruce and his spouse Cindy Brotherston, and their blended family of five children and many grandchildren, were an important source of love and fulfilment for Mom.

Joan also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, and would often suggest Strack gatherings to bring us all together.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Robert, her siblings Betty and Allen, and her son Jeff.

Joan grew up in the rural community of Chicopee near Kitchener, and continued throughout her life to have a strong connection to the land and the miracle of growing living things. She took great pride in being one of the “farmerettes” as a teen, who helped keep farms running in Ontario during and after the Second World War. She was an accomplished accordion player and enjoyed playing for friends and family. She loved all animals, having had many companions over her lifetime; most recently her two beloved cats, Abby and Tom.

Joan was in many ways ahead of her time, and struggled with the confines that were placed on women of her generation. She worked hard all her life in various jobs, including as an executive administrative assistant at E.D. Smith & Sons; a Secretary Treasurer at Aerospace Industries; and a Personal Support Worker. She took great pride in her career and in providing for her family.

Mom passed peacefully at A B Homestead House surrounded by love and ready to be re-united with Rob, Jeff, and Tom, all of whom she missed tremendously. She was well loved, and will be missed beyond measure.

We are planning a celebration of Mom's life in the spring of 2026 with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Interval House Kingston or a local women's shelter.

Arrangements entrusted to Kingston Cataraqui Cremation Services.