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The death of Joan Pamela Irene Harvey occurred on Sunday, February 13th at Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton after a short illness.
Joan was born in London, England, on February 24th, 1928. She was the eldest daughter of William and Lillian Harvey (nee Rutherford). As a child, Joan survived the Blitz, although the family home was bombed more than three times and was ultimately destroyed. She was evacuated to Yorkshire for a short time, and after leaving school she worked alongside her mother at a munitions factory before joining the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) where she spent two years. It was during this time she met her lifelong friend Sheila McKay, with whom she later shared many adventures and who has also survived her. They remained friends for 75 years.
Joan went on to train as a nurse on the island of Jersey, and later studied midwifery in Bristol, England. Her first official nursing position was in Newfoundland, following this she worked in Labrador. Next followed time with the Australian Flying Doctor Service, and later a land-based role in a remote mining town in Northern Australia.
After a few years working for the health service on Bermuda, she took work as a veterinary nurse there, but Canada beckoned once again and she returned to the North, working around the outposts, often travelling by dogsled. She spent many years in the Yukon towns of Whitehorse and Dawson City and remained there until retirement.
Wanting to settle near the water, she enlisted the help of her sister June, and they firstly explored Nova Scotia before Joan decided New Brunswick should be her home. She lived on the water at Robichaud for some twenty years before moving to her apartment at Taylor Court in 2005. Throughout she remained active, including serving as the President of the Tenants Association.
Joan’s faith was of huge importance to her and she was a highly-valued member of St. Martin’s-in-the-Woods Anglican Church in Shediac Cape. She served on vestry, as Church Warden, and joined A.C.W. Alter Guild. She was involved with the Sr. Lit Association, Hospice Shediac, World Day of Prayers, and Shediac Cape School’s Breakfast Program, amongst others.
As the last surviving member of her immediate family, she was pre-deceased by her parents; her sister, June and brother, William (Bill). She is survived by three nieces; Penelope Game, Zarah Farooq, and Karen Harvey, by whom she was cherished. Regardless of distance, Joan would always be there when she was needed to support in a difficult time. She also had several cousins. As always, she was a fabulous friend to all she met on her travels both around the world and in Shediac and was always up for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Joan’s funeral will be at 11 am, February 23, 2022 at St. Martin’s- in-the-Woods Anglican Church, Shediac Cape with a reception to follow at the hall. For those unable to attend, there will be a live virtual at www.facebook.com/PassageFH/ and a recording of the funeral service will be available on the funeral home’s website after.
Due to Covid-19 regulations, proof of full vaccination, government ID, and mask will be required at the entrance of the church and at the hall.
You’re invited to sign the book of condolences at: www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of
Passage Funeral Cooperative and Cremation Center
3754 Route 134, Shediac Bridge, NB E4R 1T3 – (506) 532-1050
Such a lovely lady RIP Joan 🙂
We will miss Joan Harvey. As a very close friend to Mom (Muriel Connors) and Aunt Helen, Joan was always invited to our “family dinners” at Easter, Mothers’ Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and whenever else we could squeeze one in. We spent hours and hours around the dining room table – this is where we got the privilege to know Joan well. While she would sit quietly until asked, Joan always had interesting answers to our numerous questions regarding her travels of the world, her career as a nurse and her childhood in England during the War. While Joan always enjoyed her dinner, she seemed to like tea and dessert the most!
After Mom’s passing, family get-togethers moved to The Bayou restaurant in Shediac or Peggy’s place at The Cape; since Joan was now part of our family, she continued to come and was given warm hugs when she departed. We have some special memories of times spent with Joan which we’ll cherish.
We believe she was “a lady” who lived a full life, and now she rests peacefully.
Our condolences to her family and friends,
Cathy Connors Kennedy, Bob Kennedy & Family (Fredericton)
I knew Joan briefly when I was a nurse new to northern nusing. She came to provide some relief in the Nursing Station where I worked. She was very kind, helpful and fun to be with. I will always remember her fondly.
Joan was a very dear friend to my mom Joyce Caley and our whole family. She shared many holidays and family gatherings with us and she was much loved. We only just learned of her passing and feel a great loss and sadness. My mom and sister did visit Joan in NB but were hoping to see her again…we will have tea in heaven when that day comes. Bless you Joan and God keep you.
Thank you for all our good memories.
Joyce Caley and family Dawson City Yukon