Obituary of Joan Christine Pizzariello

Joan Christine Pizzariello (McGarvie) transitioned into heaven on October 12th, 2023 at 3:33 pm at the age of 93. She is predeceased by and reunited with her husband Gerry (Ger), her adored son Scott (taken at just 3 years old), her parents Lou and Angus, her siblings Maxine, David, John and Charlie (twins), Betty, Peggy, Shirley (Sam), Francis (Knucks) and Theresa (Didla). Joan, aka Bunny, Bun, Maba, MaMa, Mom, Mammy, and Mammy the Great, is survived by her sister Marie, her adult children, Karla, Shane, Kelly and Lance, her nine grandchildren Bridget, Jesse, Jonathan, Scott, Natalie, Christine, MacKenzie, Jessica, and Jayden, and her two great grandchildren Delylah and Fiona. Joan was born on April 19, 1930 in Dundee, New Brunswick and is one of 11 children. She graduated high school before moving to Montreal to work and attend business school. As a single young lady living in Montreal, she met her "Knight in Shining Armor", John Gerald Pizzariello, who was at the beginning of his career in the army. They were married on February 21st, 1959 in West Mount, Quebec. "Bun and Ger" remained married and loyal to each other, celebrating 53 years together just before Gerry passed in 2012. Becoming an "army wife" for Joan meant moving a lot, adjusting a lot, sacrificing a lot, and raising her children single-handedly. Joan did all of this lovingly and dutifully, even when she and Gerry lost their son Scott to cancer along the way. Their marriage survived this loss where many others might have failed. Joan committed herself to her family wholeheartedly, including leaving the workforce for many years. Joan and Gerry moved to Ottawa in 1976 with their children and while waiting for their youngest child Lance to hit the age of 10, Joan, who was now in her 40s, went back to school at Algonquin College with the intent of getting back in the work force—a brave feat for anyone! Joan enjoyed a new career in accounting and administration, including many years with the Independent Order of Foresters (IOF). She and Gerry relocated to Smiths Falls in their later years and it was here that she eventually retired. Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother (The Great): those of us that had the privilege to know Joan know she lived her life as a true, loving, unselfish expression of God’s love for everyone. She had a zest and love for travel, adventure, nature, all bodies of water, cross-country skiing, hikes, walks, and most assuredly Friday Happy Hours! Over the last 10 years of her life, she shared most of these joys with her #1 Companion, Bestie, and eldest daughter Karla, who made sure Joan got to enjoy every joy this earth has to offer her. Karla took care of Joan’s every need and heart’s desire, right up until the end. Karla especially filled Joan’s last few months with a loving care and dignity highlighted by music, prayer, and preparation for her painless, joyful, peaceful journey to her place in heaven with our maker, our most loving Father. Arrangements entrusted to Lannin Funeral Home.