Joan Geraldine Mills
1923-2018
Mills, Joan Geraldine, age 95, passed away peacefully
surrounded by family on December 23, 2018, at her home in
Antigonish.
Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Sebastian
Young and Elizabeth (Corneally) Cooper.
Joan completed a B.Sc. in Nursing from St. Francis Xavier
University. She started her training at St. Michael’s
Hospital School of Nursing, Toronto, and completed training at the
Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing.
Joan married her husband, John, in Halifax and later moved to
Antigonish. After raising her family, she returned to nursing at St.
Martha’s Hospital as a Special Duty Nurse and subsequently
taught in the Nursing Diploma Program. Joan later joined the
Faculty of Nursing at St. F. X. University as an Associate
Professor.
Following several years of teaching she was appointed
Executive Director of the Registered Nurses Association of Nova Scotia
(RNANS) in Halifax until her retirement in 1990. During her nursing
career, she was described as an outstanding leader, a dedicated
professional, and a role model for nurses.
She has been awarded an honorary life membership
with the Atlantic Region of the Canadian Association of University
Schools of Nursing (ARCAUS) to honour a dedicated nurse in recognition
of her contribution to ARCAUS and nursing; honorary membership in
RNANS, which is awarded to nurses who have rendered distinguished
service to the profession of nursing or/the professional association;
honorary membership in the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
(CRNNS), presented to Registered Nurses for outstanding contributions
to nursing in Nova Scotia over the course of their nursing careers;
and the Certificate of Recognition for faithful years of service to
St. Martha’s School of Nursing; and Lifetime Membership in
St. F. X. University Alumni.
Joan loved to travel and visited numerous countries.
During her retirement she enjoyed oil painting and created
over 100 canvases. Joan attended classes at the Atlantic School of
Theology, served as co-leader of St. Pius the 10th Journey Group, was
a lay reader, a choir member, and worked with the Catholic
Women’s League (CWL) for over 25 years. In 2016 Joan
returned to Antigonish where she lived with her daughter Kate. She
enjoyed music, gardening, and reading. Joan was especially
happy spending time at her cottage with family and friends, where she
viewed beautiful sunsets.
Joan is survived by her children, Barbara, Ottawa; Joe
(Claire), Calgary; Jean, Halifax; Doug (Lynda), Antigonish; Kate
Bechler, Antigonish; Trish (Pat) Hamilton, Halifax; grandchildren,
Alana, Michael, Sheena (Chris), Lindsay (Darren), Zachary (Lindsey),
Isaac, Erin (Josh), and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Sophie, Lucas,
and Keller. Joan is grateful for the many friends in her life,
especially Duncan MacDonald, Antigonish; Dawn Purcell, Halifax; and
Patsy Wallace, Malignant Cove.
She was predeceased by her husband, John D. Mills, and
stepfather, Capt. Gerald Cooper.
The family thanks everyone for their prayers, love, and
support. We are grateful for the compassionate care of VON and
Palliative Care.
Cremation has taken place and at Joan’s request,
there will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be held at St.
Ninian’s Cathedral on January 3, 2019, at 11 a.m., Fr. John
Barry presiding. Burial in Sherbrooke at a later
date.
Family flowers only, please. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Hope Cottage, Halifax through their website
www.hopecottage.ca/donate
or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry
Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences:
www.clcurry.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Geraldine Mills 19232018..
Source:c.l.curry funeral services
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia