Joan Ann Mitchell
1934-2021
With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Joan Ann
(Donovan) Mitchell, surrounded by family, on March 10th, 2021. Born on
November 8th, 1934, in Enniskillen, New Brunswick, a vanished village
now part of CFB Gagetown, to the late Joan (Lannen) and Timothy
Donovan.
She will be deeply missed by her loving son Robert Mitchell
(York Lethbridge) of Toronto and Prince Edward County, Ontario; sister
Mary Tennant; sister-in-law June Donovan; and her beloved nieces and
nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Allan Mitchell; her
brothers Patrick Donovan, Michael Donovan (Thelma) and James Donovan
(Janet); sisters-in-law Mary MacFarlane (William), Bertha Pitt
(Harold) and Lena Smith (Ruben); brothers-in-law Paul Tennant and John
Mitchell.
Joan was a special force, who made friends with ease wherever
she went – a kind, loving and
devoted mother,
wife, sister, aunt and friend. She was a woman ahead of her time, from
supporting her family on their farm, as the eldest sister following
her mother’s passing at a young age, to working as a
telephone switchboard operator in Fredericton Junction in the 1950s,
and then for many years at CFB Gagetown mostly with the
Queen’s Printer where she made lifelong friends. She
skillfully balanced her career with being a doting mother and
dedicated homemaker, demonstrating tremendous passion and skill in the
kitchen whether it be cooking a feast, scrumptious baked goods, or her
renowned jams and pickles. During her lengthy retirement, Joan
indulged in local bounty during pickling and preserving season, which
she enjoyed immensely, overflowing her pantry with bottled memories.
She found joy in connecting with her family and friends far and wide,
as well as reminiscing and celebrating the historic communities lost
to the creation of CFB Gagetown, including her Irish and Welsh
heritage. Devout in her Faith, Joan maintained an open heart and a
steadfast curiosity about the world. She will be remembered for her
sharp wit and warm laughter, that she so often shared with those
closest to her.
The family conveys heartfelt thanks to Mary Saunders, her
friend and confidant of 20 years, special caregivers Corinne Peterson
and Michelle Desjarlais, and many others who allowed her to remain at
home into her 86th year; to her friends and neighbours at Kimble
Terrace Estates over the years, for their friendship and kindness; to
the wonderful caregivers and extended team at Windsor Court who cared
for her with affection, making her feel at home in new surroundings;
and to Dr. Van Middlesworth, as well as the dedicated doctors and
compassionate nurses at the Dr. Everett Chalmers
Hospital.
Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home,
160 York Street, Fredericton, on Sunday, March 14th from 2-5 pm. A
Funeral Mass will take place at St. Theresa’s Catholic
Church, 1 William Street, Fredericton, on Monday, March
15th at 2 pm. Please call McAdam’s at
(506) 458–9170 to reserve a space for the service, as
seating may be limited due to COVID restrictions. Interment will be
held at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations are suggested to the
Arthritis Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your
choice.
www.mcadamsfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Ann Mitchell 19342021..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick