Joan Elizabeth Mitchell

MITCHELL, Joan Elizabeth (Forbes) - passed away peacefully in Dartmouth on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Born on June 14, 1936, to parents Cassilda (Chisholm) and Grant Forbes, Joan began her life in Great Village, N.S. as the oldest child in a family of three sisters.

Joan was devoted to her family - to her best friend and husband of 53 years, Sid, who passed away in 2011 and to her sons Grant (Deborah), Sault Ste. Marie, ON and Ron (Susan), Waverley, N.S. In addition to her parents, Joan is predeceased by her sister Patricia Weese of Red Lake, ON. Joan is survived by her younger sister Mary “Mino” Bryant of Smithers, B.C.

Joan cherished her grandchildren, Connor (Jillian), Ryan, Samantha (Tristin) and Sydney (Jon). In 2010, Joan welcomed her first great grandchildren into the family, twins Zoey and Melody. Since then, she has been delighted with the addition of great grandchildren Jayce, Paisley, and Tucker.

After attending elementary and high school in Great Village, Joan attended the Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro, N.S. graduating with a Teaching Certificate in 1955. Joan began her teaching career as a part time substitute at the Caledonia Regional High School in Queen’s County. After marrying Sid on August 26, 1958, the happy couple moved to Elmsdale, N.S. where Joan continued her teaching career at Hants East Rural High School.

In 1963, Joan, Sid, and family moved to Dartmouth, N.S. Joan began substitute teaching in Dartmouth, eventually becoming a full time Home Economics and Family Studies teacher at Prince Andrew High School (PAHS). Joan will be remembered fondly by those who had the opportunity to meet her, especially her students from PAHS who have forged long lasting relationships and continue to call on her.

Joan valued education and routinely accepted students from Mount St. Vincent University (MSVU) as practice teachers under her supervision. Commencing in 1971, Joan would take university courses during the summer to further her own education. In 1981, while both her sons were also at university, Joan took a sabbatical from teaching and enrolled at MSVU full time, culminating in Joan receiving her Bachelor of Education Degree with distinction (Home Economics) in 1982. Joan returned to teaching in 1982 and developed a new course in Independent Living which she taught for many years.

Joan’s love of sewing began in her early teens in Great Village with the 4H Club “Flying Needles”. In 1952 Joan was one of 10 N.S. participants to attend the National 4H Club Meeting in Ottawa. Joan turned her love for sewing and Home Economics into a vocation by mentoring hundreds of students, and a hobby she relished for decades to come. Joan sewed her own clothes, some of her son’s school outfits, and created many quilts cherished by her family today.

Joan loved to dance with her husband Sid, especially favouring the waltz and jive. She and Sid participated in square and round dancing. She was a member of the Woodlawn United Church, and, in earlier years taught Sunday School with Sid and enjoyed activities with the Church Couple’s Club.

Joan and Sid shared their love of camping with their two sons generating countless adventures and memories. Joan and Sid extended their camping exploits with their grandchildren during which time they shared their appreciation of the natural world. They enjoyed visiting with family and friends in various parks and beaches in N.S. and other Atlantic provinces, especially Kejimkujik and Graves Island.

Joan enjoyed many social activities such as curling, playing bridge, cross country skiing (until 85 years old), however, Joan’s love of gardening was her true passion. As a member of the Dartmouth Horticultural Society, she loved to share plants with fellow members, family, and friends. Gifts of plants she had received from a special friend, or heirloom generational plants became her pride and joy. She continued gardening at her Parkland residence, as well as maintaining a “few” (60+ plants) transplanted to her son’s home.

The family invites all who knew Joan to take a moment with a cup of tea to walk through a garden; take a deep breath and enjoy the flowers.

Burial will be family only at a later date. Family flowers only please. Joan’s family will receive friends between 11:00 am to 1:00 pm September 19, 2022, at A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth followed by a service at A. L. Mattattal Funeral home at 1:00 pm with Rev. Dale Skinner officiating. Donations to the East Dartmouth Christian Food Bank, 54 Woodlawn Rd, Dartmouth, N.S. B2W 2S1 or a charity of choice would be welcome. Online condolences may be viewed and or sent through: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com