Of Halifax passed away peacefully into the arms of the angels on December 4, 2016, with her family by her side. Born August 5, 1924, Joan was the eldest daughter of James and Mary Vaughan of Halifax. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband Walter Burton Coolen. She was the sole remaining member of her immediate family being predeceased by her parents, James Michael Vaughan and Mary Lane, and siblings; James Bernard (Rita) Vaughan, Gerald (Katherine) Vaughan, and Mary (Bernard) Burke, and Phillip (Hilda) Vaughan. Joan is survived by her brothers in laws, Clary and Jack Coolen.
Joan married the love of her life Walter Burton Coolen of Halifax shortly after the Second World War, but their great love was cut short when “Walt” passed away suddenly in December 1960. As a consequence, Joan returned to school and eventually acquired a position with the Dept. of Defence, Maritime Command. She retired after twenty years of service. Joan returned to her family home on Bland Street in Halifax surrounded by her extended family.
Joan raised her five active children, seeing them through life, ensuring all of them attained university degrees and married their true loves; Christine (Robert) Coleman of Lethbridge, Walter Thomas(Mona) Coolen of Edmonton, Joanne (David) Faryniuk of Halifax, Patricia (Maurice) Fougere of Timberlea and the late Mary (Michael) Dohaney. Joan is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved as her own.
Joan was raised in Halifax and spent her entire life in her beloved Nova Scotia. She often spoke of her school days at College Street School and dancing at the “canteen” throughout the war years. Her summers were spent with children at the beaches of Shad Bay and “the Farm” of East River. Joan is survived by thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. Joan’s travels throughout her life took her to all their homes across Canada, so that she could share her stories and hear theirs. This was a great joy for Joan who loved to hear what was new in their lives. Joan loved parties and often hosted many family gatherings at her residence. She and sister, Mary, loved to sing and together “they would raise the roof” around the piano, often shedding a tear over an old Irish ballad or as often, a great laugh over a missed note or harmony.
Joan was strong in her faith and was a member of the Catholic Woman’s League at Canadian Martyr’s Parish for over 40 years. She was a member of the Sodality prayer group and a firm supporter of the Development and Peace movement. She also gave of her personal time volunteering many hours in order to organize from its inception to reality, Spencer House for Seniors on Morris Street in Halifax as well as being a member of the APSEA Auxiliary.
Due to declining health from Alzheimer’s her final years were spent at Saint Vincent’s Guest House. Her kindness, and gentle spirit remained and meant a hug and a kiss for all family and friends.
Joan’s family is pleased to acknowledge the many care givers of Saint Vincent Nursing Home for their loving support. Special thanks; to the kitchen staff that prepared Joan’s “take-out meals” making it possible for family to arrange visits to their homes, to the chapel staff and volunteers whose warmth and comfort made Saint Vincent’s a home for Joan, and to Rose Fougere for her companionship.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9th. from 6-9 pm at Cruikshanks Funeral Home, 2666 the Windsor St. Halifax. The funeral mass will be officiated by Fr. A. Cosgrove at Saint Thomas Aquinas church on Saturday, December 10, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gift of the Heart Campaign, Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home Foundation, 902-429-0550.
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