June Lorraine Pawlett

It is with love and sorrow that we announce the passing of June Lorraine Pawlett on Oct. 13, 2026, at Andy’s House in Port Carling, Ontario. Her loving family was able to be by her side during the final days in a picturesque Muskoka setting. Her husband of seventy years and childhood sweetheart, Ron Pawlett pre-deceased her in 2024.

Born in 1937 in Toronto, Ontario and raised by her paternal Grandmother (Ada Douglas). She had fond memories of going to the movies with her Grandma to see the latest shows when she was young. Ada would come to live with Ron and June for many years. June was known to throw elaborate parties in their converted recreation room in Agincourt On. Her favourite themed party was her Hawaiian party which took many hours of preparation and was a huge success with her guests.

June was a loving mother to her daughter Brenda (James) Stanbury, son Gord Pawlett, son Wayne (Laurie) Pawlett, daughter in-law Kathy Bissonette Pawlett, grandmother to seven grandchildren and Great Grandmother to 14. Although she claimed otherwise, she was not afraid of technology and was always in contact with her children and grandchildren through calls, txt messages and emails that allowed for a much closer relationship to all generations.

For many years June and Ron enjoyed boating and recreation on the Trent waterways. In the early 1970’s they decided to sell everything and move the family to Gravenhurst. June assisted Ron and his partner (brother Bob) with the purchase and operation of the newly formed Pawlett Bros. Marina in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Located on Muskoka Bay they sought to combine their love of boating with a career that would bring them closer to family in a more rural environment. Although born and raised in Toronto she came to think of herself as a country girl that loved living in Muskoka.

June’s ceramic hobby developed into a passion and soon after into a business. She poured, fired, and painted molds for custom orders as well as for family and friends. After a few years she began to teach multiple classes each week and sold pieces of her art at craft sales around the Muskoka Lakes. She became known as the Gravenhurst Ceramic Lady. Often thought of as a good listener and confidant, her students came for years and became extended family to her. She was a very empathetic person who not only was concerned about her numerous family members but also her clients, students and later nurses and PSW’s. She had an allergy to cats but discovered that she could include dogs (Chuck, Trisha) and any abused or orphaned animals in her worry bag.

She often looked after her grandchildren while working and later cared for other elderly relatives who were no longer as independent as they once were. She was thoughtful, warm and generous with a big heart and was referred to by many as a special lady.

A special thanks to all of the care providers at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, The Friends (organization), Care Partners and Andy’s House who went above and beyond their duties and responsibilities.

A celebration of life service will be held in June’s honour in the spring of 2027.

(time and date to be announced).

If desired, donations in her memory may be made to the The Friends (DONATIONS – thefriends.on.ca) or Andy’s House (ANDY'S HOUSE | Hospice Muskoka).