Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
Joan’s Obituary
Joan Elizabeth was born November 25, 1944, in Saint John, N.B., to the late Mary Elizabeth Watts (Merritt) of Sandy Cove, NS, and Donald McIntosh Watts of Port Hood, NS. Joan was raised in Sudbury, ON, with her beloved brother Jimmy and sister, Donna, until her father moved to Belleville as manager of the National Grocery.
She excelled in school—tennis was her sport—until a Royal Military College graduate came along and stole her from her mother’s dream of nursing. She graduated and became a laboratory technician. She married Frank (the RMC grad) and the two took a week-long honeymoon to the States with just $40 in their pockets. Between military accommodations and her uncle Lyman’s hospitality, they had a fabulous holiday. That began their beautiful journey together, starting with four wonderful years in North Bay, with summers in a cottage and winters in a furnished apartment. “Life was good,” as Phil would say.
They were then posted to Ottawa for seven years, during which they bought a house in Point Gatineau, QC, and Joan had two children—Greg and Rob. Joan worked as a lab tech during that period, including a challenging six months when Frank was sent to Vietnam. She “tended the wolves” by herself, with minimal support. All survived.
Then came Bagotville, QC—”the middle of nowhere!” Three houses in three years and a new baby girl, Frances. The nurses took her newborn daughter away for three days while she recovered, with no knowledge of French and no English speakers in the system. It was incredibly difficult. But as Joan would say, the system worked! She had a wonderful daughter.
Back in Ottawa, Joan discovered quilting. As she mastered this craft, she began teaching others and found she had a special gift that never dimmed. She always loved quilting and teaching quality techniques. She shared this passion with many people she met as they moved back and forth between Ontario and Quebec, going on from Bagotville to Ottawa, then Base Borden west of Toronto, then St. Jean, south of Montreal, then on to Barrie, back to Ottawa (Orleans) before finally returning to her families roots in Nova Scotia, making friends and passing her love for quilting to hundreds of others the entire time.
After retirement to a large old home and rambling property in Middleton, Nova Scotia, Joan finally settled down and found a welcoming and vibrant network of friends. Joan was privileged to be a member of the Bridgetown TGIF group, a wonderful circle of friends who loved to talk, enjoy sweets, and drink wine. Joan hosted them over the years and cherished these friendships, missing them dearly when the pandemic halted home gatherings.
She never stopped quilting and was active in the Nova Scotia quilting society. She was a devoted member of the Paradise District Quilters, among other groups. She regularly attended provincial quilting gatherings and was deeply involved in their activities. Among her most treasured activities were summer conferences that featured quilts, for certain, but as well laughter, friendship, bottles of wine and skinny dipping.
Joan adored travel, especially to Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. She loved the sand, the sun, and the food, but it was the people she met along the way who brought her the greatest joy. She always had time and kind words for those she met, and treasured these adventures with Frank, exploring new places and cultures together, always finding connection with locals wherever they went.
Joan’s greatest love was her family. She treasured the time she had in Nova Scotia with her sister, Donna, enjoying breakfasts out with her, Frank and Richard, and time up on the mountain in Digby. Donna was a rock who supported Joan and the entire family through difficult times, especially during Joan’s illness.
Joan is survived by her husband Frank, her life love and companion of 59 years. Together they created a beautiful life in their country home, taking daily walks and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed cooking, making delightful meals for family and friends, often using the fruits of their garden. Frank was truly the love of her life, and their remarkable partnership brought her immeasurable happiness.
She is survived by her children: Robert and his wife Laura, Gregory and his wife Stacey, and Frances and her husband Craig—all of whom she loved dearly and who loved her in return. Her legacy continues through her four greatly loved grandchildren: Mason and Mac Sawler, and Claire and Rachel Bryant. Their photos filled her home, and she always looked forward to spending time with them and showering them with presents. The grandchildren loved her in return, and treasure their memories of time with nana, from picnics at Sandy Cove, shopping at the Greenwood bookstore, getting ice cream (she’d say Mariners Sea Salt was the best), exploring the coastline, and being welcomed at wine time.
Joan passed peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, with her final days spent surrounded by her loving family. Her strength throughout her illness was a testament to her character, and her peaceful passing a blessing to those who loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Middleton. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
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2025
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice Joan Elizabeth Bryant 2025
obituaries notice Joan Elizabeth Bryant 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Joan Elizabeth Bryant 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.