June Ball Sorensen

August 21, 1933 – July 18, 2026

It is with both sadness and gratitude for a life so well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of June Ball Sorensen on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Mariposa House Hospice surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends. She passed away comfortably and at peace after a courageous journey with pancreatic cancer, having defied medical expectations time and again throughout her life, including overcoming cancer six years earlier. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering faith were an inspiration to all who knew her.

June was born on August 21, 1933, in Swallownest, Yorkshire, England, to Ann and Thomas Gascoyne. She was baptized in Wilsford Anglican Church and attended primary school in Wilsford. Raised in England, she lived through the Second World War before beginning her career with Marconi Insurance in London. Her secretarial skills opened the door to an opportunity in Canada, and at the age of 22 years she immigrated to Toronto to begin a new chapter of her life. There she met a young Danish immigrant named Arne Rikardt Sorensen, a meeting that would forever change both of their lives. When they met, Arne knew very little English, and June patiently helped him learn the language. In the process, they fell in love. They were married on October 4, 1958, and together built a remarkable life centred on faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love.

Family was at the heart of everything June did. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether family, friends, or someone she had just met, visitors were greeted with her warm smile and genuine conversation, along with a fresh cup of coffee and biscuits. Her home was a place of hospitality, laughter, and love.

June shared many passions with Arne throughout their life together. They built a beautiful hobby farm, where they found joy in caring for their beloved animals and embracing country life. She especially adored her donkeys and faithful Border Collies, whose companionship brought her endless happiness. Her colourful wildflower gardens reflected her appreciation for the beauty of God's creation and were enjoyed by all who visited.

A gifted fibre artist and Master Spinner, June found great joy in hand-spinning wool. She served as President of the Huronia Spinners Guild for many years, generously sharing her knowledge, creativity, and passion for the craft with countless friends while helping build a community that continues to thrive today. Alongside Arne, she dedicated many years to educating others through Sheep to Shawl demonstrations and also volunteered with the Mission Thrift Store in Barrie. The friendships she formed through the guild and her volunteer work became an important part of her life and were deeply cherished.

Those who knew June will remember her vibrant spirit, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humour. She had a way of making people laugh, putting others at ease, and finding joy in everyday moments. Her beautiful smile, welcoming nature, and genuine interest in others meant that people were naturally drawn to her, and many lifelong friendships were formed wherever she went.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. Through seasons of joy and hardship, she trusted God faithfully and lived with compassion, humility, and quiet strength. Even as she faced illness, she demonstrated remarkable courage, hope, and grace, encouraging those around her by the way she lived.

In her final weeks, June was surrounded by family and treasured friends who gathered to share stories, laughter, prayers, and countless cherished memories. These precious moments reflected the life she had built - a life rich in love, friendship, generosity, and faith.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she is at peace in the presence of her Saviour, Jesus and reunited with many cherished friends, family members, and the love of her life. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved deeply, the friends she welcomed, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith.

June will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Judy (Scot) and Rachel (Steve); her grandchildren, Joshua (Julie), Jessica (Ian), and Jorden (Emily); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Levi, Rylee, and Lainey. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Jane; her nieces, Joanne (Chris), Danielle (Luke), and Apryl (Mike); her nephew, John (Amy); and their children, Taya, Todd, Evan, Alex, Ryan, Asia, and Braeden. In England, she is also lovingly remembered by her close cousins, Peter (Sheila), Dawn (Alister), Geoff (Sue) and Maureen (Chris). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arne; her mother, Ann; her father, Thomas; her brother, Paul; and her cousins Pam and Ian (Julie).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Luke's Anglican Church Price's Corner, 9160 Highway 12 West, Orillia, with a reception to follow. June will be laid to rest on Monday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Barrie Union Cemetery, 338 Sunnidale Road, Barrie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mariposa House Hospice Orillia, the RVH Foundation Cancer Care Program Barrie, The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, or St. Luke's Anglican Church.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23