Joan S. Thomas

Joan was born on October 14, 1942 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Valeria Henderson.

Joan attended secretarial school and obtained employment working at a travel agency. At the age of 21, with two other girls, she immigrated to England, where she worked in travel and in her spare time, travelled throughout Europe. After three years in London, she immigrated to Canada and continued working in the travel industry settling in Sudbury, Ontario.

In 1970, Joan met Graham and they became an item. In 1972, Graham, Joan and their cat moved to Halifax to be near his three children. She continued her career with Maritime Travel.

In 1976, Joan and Graham built their dream home on Three Mile Lake, Windsor Junction. Also, during the same year, she accepted a job as Manager of P. Lawson Travel. In addition to her employment, Joan wrote travel articles for the Halifax Herald under the pen name of Holly Day.

Joan joined Big Sisters and became a big sister to Audrey Naugle. They spent many wonderful years exploring museums, parks and dining; this close relationship continued until present day.

Joan was a past President of the Maritime Ladies’ Senior Golf Association, member of Ashburn Golf Course, past President of the Ladies’ Division and served on the Board of Directors. She travelled with her husband, Graham, playing in mixed tournaments throughout the province and during their winters in Florida. Joan had three holes in one! She was an accomplished gardener and decorator and spent many hours doing what she loved.

In 1982, Graham convinced Joan to come and manage his office. She was a tremendous asset to his company as everyone loved her.

Joan was predeceased by her brother, Peter (Shirley) Henderson, South Africa.

Left to mourn Joan’s passing are her loving husband and best friend, Graham; step-children, Ronnie (Aileen); Derek (Holly Keillor); Shelley (Terry) Lynch and their families; sister-in-law, Ann Thomas, (Capt. Gordon DeVries) as well as nieces and nephews in Canada and South Africa.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff on 8.1 and IMCU 3 Halifax Infirmary for their professionalism and care shown to Joan.

Cremation has taken place under the care of J. A. Snow Funeral Home, Halifax.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date (due to COVID-19 restrictions).

As a proud “Big Sister”, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax (halifax.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/donate/).