Juanna Fontella Delta Lopes (Ricketts)

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Juanna Fontella Delta Lopes (Ricketts), age 57, of Halifax NS, on Thursday August 3rd, 2023 at 10am. Surrounded by her Mother, Sheila Lopes, Niece Alicia Lopes and older sister Shiella Lopes, she passed peacefully at the Halifax Rehab Hospital.

Born in Windsor, NS on March 1st, 1966, she was the middle daughter of Sheila Lopes (Dartmouth, NS) and the late Calvin Lopes. Besides her father, she was also predeceased by her younger sister, Twila Lopes Elliott of Corner Brook, Nfld, her Grandparents Mathew and Mary Lopes and Marvin and Ethel Upshaw, her Uncles Johnny Upshaw and Gary Lopes and her foster Uncle Michael Gray, her Aunts Judy Lopes and Nancy Lopes and cousin Jody Upshaw. She has many young cousins all of which lovingly called her “Ju Ju”.

Juanna was a strong voice for the NS Mental Health Organization, United Way and Patient Family Advocacy and also volunteered on multiple other health related panels being “a voice for the voiceless”. She was a huge advocator for those with mental health, suicide prevention and other patient-oriented research such as SPOR - providing the evidence needed to inform the development of health policies and improve the health care system. She attended annual general meetings, focus groups, summits and events at the MP’s office.

Juanna loved traveling and her favorite places to travel were Toronto and Jamaica. No matter the job with which she chose to work she gave her heart and soul 100%, the same way as with her friendships. She will be forever missed by her dearest friend Marg Murray who she considered family. Juanna had been recognized with two awards for her many contributions to the community - one from the Mental Health Foundation, and the other a Canada 150 medal, both awards recognizing her volunteer contributions to mental health.

She will be greatly missed by her nephew Wyatt Elliott (Toronto), niece Alicia Lopes (Halifax), Great nieces Jaelyn Lopes (Halifax) and Avery Richards (Gander, Nfld) and so many other lives with which she has touched in recent years. Her favorite saying was “It’s ok to not be ok”, which she instilled into the hearts of many.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Aikman and his caring staff at the Halifax Rehab hospital. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life TBA in the near future at Cruickshank's Funeral Home.

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