Obituary of Joan Mary Jones

Joan Jones (nee Berry), passed peacefully on January 24, 2018 at Rocmaura Nursing Home, Saint John NB, in her 88th year. Joan was born in Montreal, daughter of James Berry and Charlotte Stoeckel. Her four younger brothers (Paul, Stephen, Peter and Joe) have predeceased her. Her dad was a school principal, and she herself taught most of her adult life. She met her husband Gordon (predeceased, 2009) shortly after WWII, at a Marianopolis tea dance. They married in 1951, and settled in Dorval QC to raise six children together: Tim (Patti Moir) of Sudbury, Susan Wilcox (David Toupin) of Kingston ON, Catherine Seely (Ralph) of Rothesay NB, Kevin (Barb Brennan) of Chelsea QC, Teresa Guolla (Michael) of Ottawa, and Stephen (2014). Following on a 10 year stint in Toronto, they happily retired to the Laurentians (Morin Heights, Lac Chevreuil) north of Montreal. Every one of Joan’s much-loved grandchildren (Aleksy, Anastasia, Laura (2013), Kenneth, Robyn, Bonnie, Matthew, Rachel, Kevin, Andrew, Patrick, Katherine, Emilie, Louise, Daniel, and Nicholas) thought he or she was grandma’s favourite. Joan was blessed with five beautiful great-grandchildren (Cameron, Joanie, Marianne, Ursa and August). Joan and Gordon moved to Saint John in 2006, where Catherine and Ralph kindly helped them adapt to the restrictions of later life. Mom loved having visitors at Rocmaura, her home for the last nine years. The staff were wonderful to both her and Gordon. From the family, our heartfelt thanks for the care you provided. Mom, we can’t believe you’re gone. You were a terrific mom, modelling what it means to live life with enthusiasm, generosity and creativity. We know we were at the heart of your life, and we are also proud that there was so much more to your life beyond our home. You were a terrific scholar and teacher, and through your quilts you expressed your love of life and eye for beauty. Funeral arrangements by Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John,(634-7424) with visitation on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 2 – 4 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 74 Almon Lane, Rothesay. Reception and burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, you may consider donations to Elementary Literacy New Brunswick, or a charity of your choice.