Joan Melko

Obituary

Joan Frances (Zywine) Melko

After a laughter-and-story-filled weekend with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joan Melko slipped away quietly early on Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026 at Hamilton General Hospital three weeks short of her 91st birthday.

Devoted wife of the late John Melko (March 2026) and much-loved mother of Ginny (Hardy) Henry, Joanne (Mike) Chiarelli, Paul (Johanne) Melko, Dave (Jodi) Melko, and Mike (Stacey) Melko. Loving Grandma to Ben (Kayla) Wall, Kate (Greg) Virgo, Bethany (Eric) Shushereba, Laura (Mike) Heenan, Matthew Chiarelli, Julia (Jordan) O’Connell, Angela Hayward, Daniel (Johanna Spyridon), Fiona and Christopher Melko and Sidney (Bradley Dusome) and David (Camila Messina) Melko. Adoring Great-Grandma to Mayzie, Bria and Logan Wall, Elsie Virgo, Alec and Silas Shushereba, Cecilia Heenan, and Kian and Maeve O’Connell. Survived by several nieces and nephews.

Sister of the late George (late Anne) Zywine, and sister-in-law of the late Betty (late Gus) Oberski and the late Andy (late Shirley) Melko. Predeceased by her parents, Mike and Mary Zywine and her parents-in-law, Mike and Mary Melko.

Joan was an excellent homemaker and stay-at-home Mom to five busy children. From home, she administered a night-school business management program for Mohawk College for several years. After John’s retirement in 1985, John and Joan enjoyed spending as much time as they could at their seasonal cottage in Haliburton, their happy place. Joan was a proficient swimmer and angler, an avid reader, loved to do jigsaw and crossword puzzles and LOVED to play Scrabble. She was a loyal Coronation Street fan, and woe to those who dared to interrupt her when she watched it on Sunday mornings. She was a “save room for dessert” lady, and kept a well-stocked supply of sweet treats for family visits. Friday night was family night at her house for all who could make it. Joan enjoyed spending time with her family, never missed a family get-together, and never forgot a birthday or Christmas, especially for the great grandchildren.

Joan was a cheerful and positive person, with a huge smile and big warm hugs generously given. She, along with John, always waved good-bye from the front porch when family left.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the cardiac care staff on the ICU West and 4 West floors at the Hamilton General Hospital for their attentive and respectful care of Joan.

As per Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private gathering will be held at a later date.

If desired, donations to your favourite charity would be appreciated, as Joan supported many