Joanne Debassige

Joanne “Giovanna” Debassige (nee Petraglia)

August 1, 1947 – May 13, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joanne Debassige (nee Petraglia) on May 13, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on August 1, 1947, in Marsico Nuovo, Potenza, Italy.

Joanne was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother, godmother, mother-in-law, cousin, pet parent, and friend. She filled every role in her life with strength, warmth, humour, and unwavering love.

An avid traveler, Joanne had a deep love for both road trips and air travel, exploring countless places throughout Canada, the United States and internationally. Her adventurous spirit carried into every chapter of her life, from living in Lourdes, to Toronto, and later West Bay, Manitoulin Island. No matter where she lived, Joanne brought curiosity, energy, and a sense of adventure with her.

She was a woman of many talents and embraced a wide variety of careers throughout her life. Joanne began working as a typist at Tip Top Tailors before becoming a real estate agent. She later became the owner and operator of “It’s the Pizza,” and eventually fulfilled one of her greatest callings as an elementary school teacher before retiring.

Joanne carried a love of learning with her throughout her entire life. As a young girl in the piazza of Marsico Nuovo, she was once spotted reading a newspaper in the rain, a small but telling glimpse into the determined and curious person she would become. That same determination eventually led her to graduate from the University of Toronto. She found joy in reading, drawing, listening to music, driving, and experiencing cuisines from around the world. She also loved horror and thriller films and series, always enjoying a good scare, and was well known for her love of cards and bingo.

One story that perfectly captured Joanne’s spirit took place when she was a young girl travelling through France. Faced with the choice between ice cream and a fruit she had never tried before, a banana. And Joanne chose the banana. In true Joanne fashion, curiosity always won. She carried that same openness and sense of discovery throughout her life and shared it with others whenever she could. While teaching in West Bay, she introduced her students to new experiences, including their first taste of coconut, and even brought her brother into the classroom to play guitar and share music with them.

Daisies were Joanne’s favourite flower. Beautiful, resilient, and bright, much like Joanne herself.

She also carried the strength of an entire generation who left one life behind to build another. Through sacrifice, courage, and relentless hard work, Joanne helped pave the way for her family’s future in Canada. The life her family knows today exists because Joanne, and so many others like her, were brave enough to begin again in a new country and persevere through every challenge placed before them.

Joanne never settled for mediocrity. She was original, spirited, and entirely herself in every room she entered. Famous for her many sayings, those who loved her will forever hear her voice saying, “What the fuzz?!” or reminding them, “Smile, you look better when you do!”

Throughout her life, Joanne left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was not ordinary, quiet, or forgettable. She was fearless when it mattered, and unapologetically herself until the very end. Joanne will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and spoken about often by all whose lives she touched.

In loving memory of Joanne, flowers are welcome for those who wish to send them, and if desired, memorial donations may be made in her name to the CAMH Foundation.

Click here to donate to the CAMH Foundation