April 28, 1947-July 10, 2023
It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Johanna DesRoches at the age of 76, following a brief illness. Johanna had many roles in her life: daughter, sister, mother, stepmother, Nana, friend, businesswoman, but none of these roles gave her more joy than being a wife to Mike DesRoches. They had 38 beautiful years together, devoted to creating a life that gave them each a soft place to land. She was always game for adventures like boating, snowmobiling, RVing, cycling and winters in Florida with her ‘Mouser’.
Life wasn’t always easy for her but through all the challenges, she stuck to her values. Her love and loyalty were fierce and unwavering. Her baking was legendary and she was always willing to donate a tray of squares or cookies to school bake sales, potlucks and family dinners. She will be deeply missed by her husband, her girls Michelle (Julia), Monique (Brennan), her grandchildren Aiden, Lucas, Kira, Kendall and Kalen and step grandchildren Owen and Mackenzee. Johanna’s hospitality naturally extended to the DesRoches clan, making her a great sister in law to Audrey Cusson, John DesRoches, Norma Ladouceur, Jeannette Robillard, Paul DesRoches, Linda Desroches and their respective spouses and children.
Johanna was predeceased by her parents Henry and Susan Kerstens. They came to Canada from Holland when Johanna was 3 years old and instilled in her a strong work ethic that led to a successful business, Creative Hairstyling in Barrie, where she was a respected member of that community for over 40 years.
Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.
