Joe-Anne Strauss of Formosa passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at The Village Long Term Care, Hanover, in her 82nd year. Beloved wife of Patrick and dear mother of Peggy Shelley (Roy Compton) of St. Thomas, Patsy Becker (Ken Corbett) of Elmwood, Bob Strauss (Helen Seymour) of Seaforth, Bob Barger of Wingham, Bill Barger Jr. of Formosa, Pam (Dale) Brooks of Kitchener, Pattie (Clinton) Thompson of Nottawa, daughters-in-law Lolita Edgcumbe of Brantford, and Wendy Vander Waude of Walkerton. Joe-Anne was a grandmother of 20, and great-grandmother of 15.
Joe-Anne will be missed by her brother Royden Conley of Elliott Lake and remembered by her in-laws Joe (Pat) Strauss of New Hamburg, Wally (Betty) Strauss of St. Albert, AB, Doug Troupe of Arva, Ray (Sandy) Strauss of Walkerton, Janet (Dave) Kennedy of Mildmay, and Jim (Betty Ann) Strauss of Walkerton, and dearly missed by nieces, nephews, neighbours and close friends.
Joe-Ann grew up in Whitechurch, and later Lucknow, daughter of Ivan and Jean Conley. Eventually meeting Pat while employed at Canada Packer’s in Walkerton. In 1974, they decided to live together, combining each of their 4 children from previous marriages, to make one large family of 8 – four girls and four boys. This was no doubt a challenge, but together they grew up enjoying Joe-Anne’s sewing and crafts, or one of her homemade pies, specifically lemon, apple, and pumpkin.
Eventually Canada Packer’s closed and Joe-Anne began work with the Red Cross and enjoyed helping patients but did not enjoy the many winter drives. In retirement, Joe-Anne and Pat helped maintain Formosa Lion’s Park with general cleaning, cutting grass, and whatever else needed tending too.
Predeceased by her son John Barger, grandson Brendon Barger, sister Betty (Willard) Siegner, in-laws Marlene (Helmut) Sonnenburg, Clara (Ron) Huber, Shirley Troupe, and her parents Ivan and Jean (nee McCallum) Conley.
A celebration of life for Joe-Anne will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Formosa Community Centre.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Lion’s Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs or Saugeen Hospice would be appreciated. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
