Johanna (Joan) Wilhelmina Maria (Van Osch) Middegaal

Johanna (Joan) Wilhelmina Maria (Van Osch) Middegaal of Clinton passed away peacefully, with loved ones by her side, at Huronview on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in her 92nd year. 

 

The beloved wife of the late Tony Middegaal for over 66 years, Joan was the loving mother of Karen (Steve) Grainger, Paul (Wendy) Middegaal, Bert (Barb) Middegaal and Jim (Linda) Middegaal. 

 

She was the cherished “Grandma Joan” to Bradly, Kerri Lyn (Ken), Sara (Tyler), Kyle (Dan), Nicole (Andre), McKala (Kyle), Alicia (Gabe), Chloe (Travis), Regan (Dylan), Tyler (Hanah), Courtney (Brock) and Brooke (Tyler) and great-grandma of Peyton, Kinsley, Kane, Ryan, Nev, Nora, Nixyn, Wells, Merritt, Brooks, Callum, Kincaid, Bria, Myles, Sloane, Quinn and Max. 

 

Joan was the dear sister of Dora Schuurmans and she was predeceased by her siblings, William, Joseph, Peter, Antone, John and Jack Van Osch and her parents, Jack and Johanna (Goemans) Van Osch.

 

Affectionately known to many as “Jo”, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, and proud Catholic Women’s League member for more than 70 years. Joan built her life around loving and caring for others. 

 

Her face would brighten with pure joy whenever she had a baby in her arms, and she could sit for hours gently rocking each of her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

 

Small in stature but immense in heart, Joan was the true embodiment of “great things come in small packages.” Her quiet presence brought comfort to anyone lucky enough to be near her, yet, around a card table with family or friends, her spirited competitiveness sparkled. With a warm smile, an easy laugh, and a knack for almost always winning, she was always ready for “just one more game.” 

 

She will be lovingly remembered for her famous chocolate chip cookies, her timeless sense of style, and by the beautiful blankets she lovingly crocheted for her great-grandchildren in recent years. Joan lived a beautiful life and now she is at peace - reunited with Tony, the love of her life, whom she has so dearly missed.

 

Friends and family will be received at the Falconer Funeral Home, Clinton on Tuesday Dec. 9, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with Catholic Women’s League rosary prayers at 6:45 p.m.

 

Funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Goderich on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. with a luncheon on site to follow.

 

Donations to the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choosing is greatly appreciated by the family.