Joan Isobel Lett (nee Higginson) entered eternal life on April 28, passing quietly and peacefully at Groves Park Lodge in Renfrew at 88 years of age. She is reunited with her beloved husband Dalton, who passed in 2006. Her spirit is carried on by her children Connie, Michael and daughter-in-law Heather; her grandchildren Mitchell (Michelle) and Deann Carroll (Cole); her sister Lois Hawkins, and many nieces and nephews. Joan was the daughter of the late Melville and Dorothy (Fabian) Higginson. She was predeceased by her sisters Marian Vanderbeck, Eleanor Thurston, brothers Minor and Gary and sister-in-law Beryl Fitzgerald. Joan moved to Eganville where she was employed by the Eganville Creamery. It was here that she met the love of her life, Dalton. They married in 1953. Together they raised their two children on the family farm. In 1957 Joan and Dalton opened Crooked Rapids Campsite and together built and developed this safe haven nestled in the pines along the Bonnechere River. This legacy they created has forged life-long friendships. Sixty-three years and 3 and 4 generations later, the campsite is still thriving under the guardianship of her son and daughter-in-law. Joan and her husband’s entrepreneurship didn’t end there. In 1967 they opened Lett’s Drive Inn restaurant which soon became a popular landmark along Highway 60. Still, many years later, family members have been asked if they are related to the Letts who owned the drive inn, and inevitably say “They made the best hamburgers” or “I used to deliver Pepsi there”. Joan was awarded a lifetime membership to the Ontario Women’s Institute. It was through the Lake Dore WI that Joan became a leader for the Ontario 4-H Home Economics Club. She taught many area children how to cook and sew and loved the opportunity to pass on her knowledge. Joan’s love of gardening and plants blossomed when she became a member of the Eganville Horticultural Society. She thrived on the opportunity to be a part of the beautification of the town and all the horticultural society activities. She was awarded a certificate of Meritorious Service to the Eganville Horticultural Society. This remarkable woman was dearly loved by her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. Joan’s final care has been entrusted to the care of Zohr Family Funeral Home in Eganville. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honour at a later date. Those desiring donations may donate to Groves Park Lodge or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Joan.
