On October 2, 2023, Joan passed away peacefully at home, just 2 days shy of her 88th birthday, with her loving family by her side. We know that she was greeted with open arms by Frank who was waiting patiently with a cup of tea and her lazy boy chair.
Joan was born to the late George and Margaret Nicholson on October 4, 1935. From there Joan married Selwyn “Frank” Ripley on June 28th 1952.
Joan was a loving Mother to Calvin (Judy), Donnie (Linda) and Jeff (Gail). Her grandchildren Morgan (Geoff) Strain, Hillary (Nathan MacMillan) Ripley and Haley (Matthew) Forgeron were her world. Her great-grandchildren Hadley, Hope, Alice, and Henry were her whole heart. Joan loved her family immensely and we all knew it.
Besides her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she is survived by her brothers Jackie (Margie), Kenny and sister-in-law Virginia as well as countless nieces and nephews.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Selwyn “Frank”, brothers Buster (Mary), Ernie (Eileen), Donald (Phyllis), Ralph (Gwennie), Reginald (Helen), Walter, Vernon (Shirley), Arthur and Eddy (Joan). Sisters Edna (Cyril) O’Neill, Dorothy (Walter) Smith, Margaret (Jack) Travers, Marjorie (Don) O’Neill and Ruth (Gerald) Boutilier. Sister-in-law Doreen. A child in infancy.
One of her favorite events was to pack and prepare for the annual ARD convention with her closest friends from TOPS, who were very special to her. She thoroughly enjoyed those weekends which were followed by weeks filled with stories of laughter and great times.
Overall, Mom was a character that attracted attention without realizing it. She had many skills. A chef, cake decorator, care giver and a dancer extraordinaire. Overall, her best skill was to be there when we needed her and to watch her become consumed with her grand and great grandchildren. The best gift and spectator sport for her sons. Thank you, Mama!!!
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place Thursday October 5, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, 2320 Prospect Rd, Hatchet Lake. Interment following the service at Sunrise Park Cemetery, 2025 Prospect Rd, Hatchet Lake. Reception following service at Prospect Road Community Center 2141 Prospect Rd, Hatchet Lake.
The family would like to thank Dr. Harris Crooks and Dr. Ikenna Ezeamah for their care over the years and all of Joan’s homecare providers from Closing the Gap.
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