In Memory of

Joan

Florence

Stewart

(Mullins)

Obituary for Joan Florence Stewart (Mullins)

Stewart, Joan Florence (nee Mullins)

Joan Florence Stewart (née Mullins) age 97 passed away peacefully with a friend at her side on Monday, February 27, at Northland Pointe Long Term Care in Port Colborne.
Joan was born on November 8, 1925, in St. Helier, Island of Jersey, Channel Islands. She spent her teen years living through the German occupation of the island during World War II. She shared many stories about life during those difficult times.

On November 11, 1948, she married the love of her life a tailor named Daniel. She proudly wore the fashionable clothes her made for her. Later they had a child together named Terence. She spoke often of how sweet Terence was as a child and how proud they were of him and his life accomplishments.
In 1957, like many others at the time, the family immigrated to Canada. Their departure was mentioned in an article titled “The number grows” published in a local paper. They travelled on the R.M.S. Nova Scotia ship and landed in Halifax. Later they settled in Hamilton Ontario. Joan’s commemoration of Canadian Citizenship took place in January 1978.

Later in life they moved to a senior living apartment where they made many friends. Joan spent time knitting items for family, friends and local craft shows. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She had many good times spent with family and friends as witnessed in the photos left behind. Unfortunately, things changed when her husband and son passed away within a short time. She said her close friends and her faith helped her to cope during this difficult time.

When she was able, she attended Saint Patrick’s church on Sundays. She was particularly fond of the church’s De Mazenod Door, an Outreach program that provides food for the hungry and drink for the thirsty 365 days a year. She also attended line dancing classes at the local YWCA. Her teacher Lynn became a good friend and Joan joined the dance troupe performing at many events around the city. Her spirits lifted. She embraced many adventures with her devoted friend Grace. Together they went to Halloween dances, parties, parades, special lunches, and on senior trips. She was happy watching Grace’s great- grandchildren Grace and Abby grow up and looked forward to their visits and holiday celebrations together. She especially enjoyed the Christmas games where her competitive nature always led to lots of laughter.

Joan later moved to the Cardinal Retirement Home where new friendships were formed. When she required more nursing care, she moved to Northland Pointe in Port Colborne. Once again, she was living by water enjoying the beautiful views of the lake. She took part in activities right up until a few days before her passing. The staff were wonderful and kept her comfortable and pain free during her last days. Although she insisted on being independent, she was always very appreciative of help when needed. She thanked everyone with the same endearing words “thank you my love.” She was easy to love. Her strength, wit and zest for life shone through until the end.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, her brother George, her husband Daniel, and her son Terence. She will be missed by many including Bridget, Don, and Barbra (Channel Islands) and local friends Doug, Paula, Lorraine, Carol, and Glen.

Cremation has taken place. All are welcome to join together for the service and blessing to be held at the Burlington Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 600 Spring Gardens Road inside the Holy Souls Mausoleum on Monday, March 6th at 1:00 p.m.

Should you feel so inclined, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the De Mazenod Door Program, St. Patrick’s Church in Hamilton, or another charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made to www.dermodys.com