Mary Joan Quinn Graham

Graham: Mary Joan Quinn
Of Brampton spread her wings to heaven on the morning of February 11, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was always an independent, strong, active, resourceful, and beloved wife, daughter, sister and friend to many, Mary Joan’s beautiful smile and laughter lit up our souls.
Mary Joan’s talents touched many lives. She obtained her Teaching Certificate from University of Toronto in 1981 and then went on to continue growing in her profession. She eventually obtained her Masters in Education and held numerous specialty certificates. Mary Joan was a dedicated teacher and special education specialist. She began her career with the Durham School Board and then the York Region Separate School Board and finally she retired from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. In her retirement she continued to tutor new Canadians. She was always a teacher at heart!
Mary Joan’s professional life was full but she enjoyed many hobbies and displayed immense talent. She practiced, traveled and won numerous awards as an Irish Dancer, something she truly loved. Her musical ability allowed her to play the piano by ear and to eventually take up the violin.
Mary Joan loved everything Irish . . And most of all she loved her late husband Patrick Graham who she met in Ireland. Mary Joan will be happy to reunite with Patrick in heaven.
Mary Joan’s unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father, is the foundation upon which she built her life. She loved to entertain, congregate, celebrate, and support others.
Mary Joan’s free spirit was always up for adventure and she was blessed by the many friends who joined her. With a passionate spirit, a determined grit and a smile, she will be remembered as a brave warrior who embodied courage.
Mary Joan is survived by her mother Eleanor Dickinson who celebrated her 100 birthday with Mary Joan just 2 months ago. She is also missed by her older sister Elaine James and her children Michael James (daughter Alexis) and Shelley James and by her brother Sidney Dickinson (Kathie) and his children Cindy MacCulloch (husband Ian, children Zoe, James and Charlie), Kelly Cameron (husband Michael, children Jack, Max and Henry) and Matthew Dickinson
Family and friends may call at St. Marguerite D'Youville Church 2490 Sandalwood Parkway East on Tuesday February 15, 2022 at 10am for visitation prior to funeral mass at 11am. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery.
Please visit her memorial page at www.wardfuneralhome.com
Sid Dickinson will ride in the PMH Ride to Conquer Cancer this June. Please support Sid in his 200km ride in Mary Joan’s memory Ride to Conquer Cancer