Joan Elizabeth Ash

With a sense of peace and hope, we announce that Joan Ash was Promoted to Glory on March 9, 2026, at the age of 90, following a brief illness.

Joan was born in the scenic town of Parry Sound on August 15, 1935, the daughter of the late Samuel and Jessica Greer. Growing up along the shores of Georgian Bay, she developed a lifelong love of the water and often shared fond memories of fishing and swimming in the lake with her father and siblings.

A devoted Soldier of The Salvation Army, Joan lived faithfully by the Army’s motto, “Heart to God and Hand to Man.” She attended The Salvation Army Training College in Toronto as a member of the Sword Bearers session and was commissioned as an officer in June 1956.

Joan faithfully served in several ministry roles wherever she was called for more than sixteen years. She also served as Corps Sergeant-Major, offering leadership, encouragement, and a steadfast example of faith at West Toronto Corps, York Community Church, and most recently while attending Yorkminster Citadel.

In October 1972, Joan resigned from officership to marry her beloved Clifford Ash. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until Clifford’s own Promotion to Glory in 2015.

Joan and Cliff greatly enjoyed spending their spring seasons in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they cherished the sunshine, baseball games, treasured time with their grandchildren, and fellowship with their dear lifelong friends, Dorothy and Ernest Cornish. During these years, they continued their faithful service with The Salvation Army, sharing fellowship and ministry wherever they were.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her step-son Gordon Ash and his wife Susan Cutajar; her grandchildren, of whom she was so proud; her younger sister, Diana Zsolyomy; and her nieces and nephew, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Jessica Greer; her brother Ralph; her dear older sister Doris Collingridge (2025); and her cherished friend Dorothy Cornish (2025).

Joan’s life was marked by deep faith, kindness, and a love for God and others. She leaves behind a legacy of faithful service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7

A private celebration of Joan’s life will be held with her family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ward Funeral Home, and her inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made in Joan’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, in honour of her journey as a breast cancer survivor, or to The Salvation Army Yorkminster Citadel, continuing the ministry she loved so dearly.

Click here to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society

Click here to donate to the Salvation Army