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Joan passed away quietly at home on August 3, 2021 surrounded by family, after 82 years of adventure. She passed into the company of her parents, Burt and Mildred (Underhill) Kelly, and her brother Peter and sister Theresa. Left to cherish her memory are Chuck, her husband of 57 years, son Peter, daughters Kelly and Natalie, chosen daughter Kathy Romaniuk, and grandson Liam.
She will be deeply missed by her sister Elaine Jimmo, and by her brothers- and sisters-in-law George and Debbie, Gord and Karen, Glenda, Dale and Sharon, and Nancy and Tim. Also left with happy memories are nieces and nephews Beth, Nicole, Paul, Sherri, Bonnie, Eric, Dale Jr, David, Ashley, Rebecca, Jessica, Keith, their partners, and so many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She always knew who was having babies, because she knew that one of life’s greatest joys is that new-baby smell.
Joan loved to have little adventures, whether a train trip across country, a transit bus ride around an unfamiliar city, or a road trip in a sweet convertible VW Beetle. She loved to travel, starting with a bus tour of the western US, honeymoon in Washington DC, and RVing through the 70s and 80s. There were trips with Chuck to Alaska and Newfoundland, and so many places in between, whether to see the sights, or to see the kids, including Christmas at Peter’s, concert weekends with Kelly, highway day trips with Natalie (she loved to drive!), and Jasper’s Christmas in November with Kelly and Kathy.
Joan was never afraid to change things up in her life. She almost devoted her life to the convent but realized there were too many adventures to choose just one. So, she taught school, married Chuck, became a mother, moved cross country, became a nurse, and volunteered in her retirement.
Trips home to the Miramichi for Irish Festival were always a highlight for Joan. Many a glass of wine was enjoyed with friends and family, catching up on everyone’s stories, and listening to Irish music. We will be taking her home to rest there at St. Patrick’s Church, just up the road from where she spent her childhood.
Special thanks to all of Joan’s medical team, the VON for enabling Joan’s wish for a peaceful passing at home, and especially to RN Sheryl and PSW Amanda. You both provided comfort in a bittersweet journey, your visits bringing care and a bit of humour. The family will receive visitors at the McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on Friday August 6, 2021, from 6pm to 9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption on Saturday August 7, 2021, at 1:30 pm. Covid protocols are in place requiring social distancing and the wearing of masks at the funeral home and church.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Victorian Order of Nurses, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com.