Juanne (June Diana) Hemsol (nee Martin)
June 14, 1930-September 24th, 2022
With deep sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of Juanne (June Diana) Hemsol (nee Martin) in her 93rd year at Toronto Western Hospital the morning of Sept 24, 2022 continuing with her political advocacy right to the end and playing her singing of Edelweiss on YouTube Angelina Isac and the Golden Trio Forever Love Edelweiss featuring Juanne Hemsol – YouTube to hospital staff. Juanne is pre-deceased by her late husband, Geoffrey Maxfield Hemsol, (Max), infant daughter Susan (1959), mother Gladys Martin, (nee Shutler) father, Walter Martin, sister Delphine Martin, of Eastbourne, England, sister in law, Jacqueline Margaret Hemsoll of Cromer, England, brother-in-law Eric Hemsoll and artist wife Eileen Hemsoll, (nee Cashmore) of Birmingham, England.
Juanne is survived by her daughter, Yvon Helen Hemsol, her cousin Jenny Lacy, of Lulworth England, her nephew David Hemsoll, (Deborah), of Birmingham England, her Niece Claire Dreyer (JM) of France, and her niece Paulina Hemsoll of Norwich, England and cousin June Bowen in Australia.
June Diana (Juanne) attended King Edward High School for Girls, (KE), Birmingham, England, making lifelong friends there. She attended Birmingham Repertory Theatre (certificate 1951), Aston University, Business Admin, (Diploma 1950) in addition to professional singing. She continued singing and love of music all of her life.
She met her husband, Geoffrey Maxfield Hemsoll, via her future sister in law Jacqueline Margaret playing tennis, marrying Geoffrey Maxfield, (Max) Hemsoll November 15, 1952 then immigrating to Canada.
A turning point in Juanne’s life was the realization of the need to protect the community and thus forming of the South Eglinton Ratepayers and Resident’s Association (SERRA) in 1965 including editing “the OWL” newsletter. From that she was Founder and President of The Central Eglinton Planning Committee, President of CORRA, the Ravine subcommittee, Waterfront Committee, Harbourfront Review Committee, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, Community Economic Development, city of York, Small Business Support Task Force, City of York, and many many political and advocacy activities.
Juanne was a lifelong learner and a mentor to many. Never did she stop learning and seeking information, following the world and community around her, with her deep commitment to universal welfare, leading her to a lifetime of community involvement and advocacy. The impact of growing up in war torn Britain left a profound determination in her. From Ryerson she received a diploma in public relations (1970) and Certificate in Marketing Management (1980). Juanne proudly received her A.R.C.T. (Speech Arts and Drama, teacher) Royal Conservatory of Toronto in 1976 and Licentiate, Trinity College, London, England Performer’s Diploma, effective speaking, 1982. Learning continued with a certificate in Reflexology, Holt school, 1986, and TESL certificate, Humber College (1990) at age sixty.
Like her education, her employment had a wide range, and was intertwined with her volunteerism for the community and Toronto; Organizer, Canadian Red Cross (1970-73), City of Toronto Planning Board (1971-1979) including Chairman–the only women to hold the position, Centre for Community Living (1976-77), Blisssymbolics Communications, Director (1977-80), Business Development Centre, General Manager commencing in 1982 and the creation of Juanne Hemsol Communications—the spring board for her proofreading, editing, singing with the Annex Trio, Bens’ International teaching, York West Seniors, and teaching English as A Second Language, and Speech and Drama. She continued to teach into her late 80’s. Retirement was not a word in Juanne’s vocabulary—she lived life to the fullest.
She enjoyed music and singing, gardening, nature, camping, village life, Farmers Markets, our wonderful cats, and dog Samson, swimming in a lake, (which she did until age 88), nature, the local neighbourhood, her home and piano, many concerts she sang and recited at, the fun of the “Pick Up Players” with the James family, (of which she was director and actor), and time with family, our wonderful friends, who are really like our extended family, and our neighbours.
Juanne managed all she achieved, while also having Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, (also known as Environmental Hypersensitivity), for 40 years followed by asthma; even in her recent courageous battle, with heart failure, she continued to do advocacy by phone or letter whenever she could. Her long time health team provided profound care, insight and dedication in their respective field; Dr K Kerr. MD for 35 years, until Jan. 2022, (semi-retired), Dr Alexander Sandy Wood ND DC for over 30 years (deceased), Dr.E Lilker, (deceased), David Slabotsky RMT, (retired) for 40 years, Jana Prevratska, PT & DOMP, (retired), Marian Fennessy, RMT, Dr Lucus Bozinovski, ND & DC, Dr. J Belcastro, DC, Celia Rojas, PT, Yellow Gazebo Natural Health Centre, and Cliffside Chiropractic. We gratefully acknowledge the care and support of Home and Community Care Support Services Toronto Central, Juanne’s co-ordinators, her immensely dedicated PSW’s and nurse during recent years. And the care and support of friends and their healing prayers. Without this care Juanne Hemsol would not have lived to age 92.
Aquacremation has taken place and internment will be in Fenelon Falls Cemetery, November 6th. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer in Toronto.
Donations may be made in memory of Juanne Hemsol to:
The South Eglinton Ratepayers and Residents’s Association (SERRA), which Juanne founded and always cherished. Now renamed SEDRA reflecting now amalgamated Toronto. Can be made by debit, credit or through Paypal. now SEDRA
Fenelon Falls Muesum (where Juanne spent many a happy time enjoying music, culture, history, and nature), by e-transferring curator@maryboro.ca. Or cheque Maryboro Lodge Museum, Box 179, 50 Oak Street, Fenelon Falls, ON K0M1N0
The Land Between Organization The Land Between is a National Charity #805849916RR0001. Working to preserve the last wilderness landscape in southern Ontario
Offer Condolence for the family of Juanne (June Diana) Hemsol (nee Martin)
Kathleen Kerr MD
No matter what, Juanne always broke into her wonderful unforgettable smile, and strode on. She always manifested her fine wit and sense of humour, improving life around her. She is missed. Saying “good bye Juanne” now and on with her next adventure. Fondest regards, Kathleen Kerr MD
Shawn James
Juanne was a great lady and wonderful long-time family friend. We remember so well her music and plays at 45 Yorkleigh, and later her attendance at Swiss Chalet lunches with her daughter Yvon at 85 Emmett.
Our late mother Betty James used to brighten at the thought of Juanne coming.
Yvon, you did a great job taking care of your Mom during her last years.
She will be missed.
Francis Gosnell
Juanne Hemsol was a determined community minded and engaged lady of grace and character who continued her activities throughout her entire life even until the end from a hospital bed.
Juanne’s work ethic was effortless, she pursued many projects to improve the quality of life for those in the community, advocated for parkland, recreation facilities, decreased urban density , preserving neighborhood heritage and so on. She had many interests that were her life including music and singing, taking continuing education courses, many business activities, teaching ESL, natural healing and was always keeping up to date on politics and current events.
We will remember you fondly and always be reminded of your determination to pursue worthwhile causes throughout your life. Thank you Juanne.
yvon Helen
Your father and my mother were both a force to be reckoned with on earth–fighting for causing while both enduring Environmental Illness/MCS themselves.
I suspect they will both be continuing there work .
Lois Steckley
Yvonn
I wanted to connect with you recently but could not find your email.
Thought this might be the way to get in touch. Recently I read the tributes to your mother and all her accomplishments on the internet. Such an accomplished woman who shared her life with grace and humility. I always appreciated our conversations over the past number of years. Feel free to email or call.
Karin Klouman
My deepest condolences to Juanne’s daughter, my friend Yvon, and to the extended family. Juanne was obviously a force of nature and leaves behind many wonderful memories to celebrate . She will be deeply missed by many.
yvon Helen
Yes, thank you. Juanne has now gone to her higher calling, transitioning to the hereafter and her next work after some rest I would think, Yvon
Yvon Helen gwenda Hemsol
yes, my email is yhghemsol@sympatico.ca. Please send your phone number-Juanne’s cell phone vanished the day before she died. I got your message, but there is no call display on the phone here–416-469-0501 I am heading to the cottage for the internment on Sunday in Fenelon falls. 2 pm So then I will be at 705-887-3394, but no call answer and it takes a long time to reach the phone, but it works . Will be back in Toronto Monday. The web site is now corrected and updated so look again. Thank you, Yvon
Maureen, Silas and Kevin (Ottawa)
Juanne was a wonderful friend to the James family in Toronto, initially through our mother, Betty James. They connected through the Business Development Centre in the 1980s. Juanne, Max and Yvon soon became part of many James gatherings, with Juanne contributing music, dramatic readings, poetry and other fun proceedings.
Juanne was a warm and humane light to all. We are left with fond memories and amazement at her many accomplishments. Juanne is unforgettable.
yvon Helen
Yes, Juanne loved the pick up players. It was a huge treasure to her. Thank you all for giving her that. She loved the music, the theatre, the meal. The amazing events. But she also loved to just visit Betty. It was a blessing Betty had to sign cheques for the BDC as then that resulted in a visit and learning about Silas and all the James family. It was great indeed. Many many thanks to Shawn, taking my mother and me home from those many hospital visits to the point I had to say ‘ we won’t be picking Juanne up from the hospital this time’–she died not long after.
Rest in peace mother dear, you are now going home to Fenelon Falls for your final resting place with Dad, my popsie, and you are going to further work in the great beyond. As long as you were alive, you said there must be a purpose to be here (on earth), as frail as you were in the end but still advocating, still enjoying your balcony, and your plants and pets. Now you are called to higher work and transitioning to the here after. You have done great work on earth and now you have your next calling, but my we miss you those of us left on earth including cats Alicia and Monty.
Paulina Hemsoll
I will always remember June as being such an strong, energetic person, lively, positive, joyful, fun,
with a wonderful sense of humour as well caring kind and compassionate.
A very sad loss but may she rest in peace as she has had a well lived life and she was very much loved
Geoffrey Allen
I was very sorry to hear the sad news that Juanne had died. It was always enjoyable to get together with her, Max and Yvon.
Alice Dearden
Juanne was a member of the Central Toronto Branch of the ORMTA (Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Associations) for many years. She served as branch secretary, and also recited beautifully at our “Teachers in Concert” events.
Nazanin
Dear Yvon,
Please accept my deepest sympathy, and wishing you comfort and peace to fave the days ahead with her loving memories to hold in your heart!
I was very honoured to be able to treat her for couple of years and also spending those times to chitchat a lot with her.
She was a very strong and lovely lady and I’m glad that i hold lots of great memories of her.
Yvon, please keep me posted on the celebration of her life ceremony in summer time and be safe yourself!
Thanks