Fletcher, Joan Winifred – Age 82, of Cole Harbour, passed away on May 13, 2016, with her loving family by her side. A gardener, and artist in retirement, Joan was a creative and loving woman, young in spirit and always engaged in life. Following national politics and keeping an eye on world affairs was her most recent passion. Joan had a tireless enthusiasm for life, was not afraid to talk about anything, and every conversation with her was constructive and stimulating. Joan instilled a love for reading, asking questions and sharing knowledge, and inspired all her children and grandchildren to be teachers of some kind and to help others to learn and engage. Joan showed great caring, beauty, and strength of spirit right up until her final hours.
Born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1933 to Albert and Winifred Outridge, she was followed by three siblings, Leslie, Arthur and Ann, who eventually all moved to Canada. Joan moved to Wawa, Ont. at age 21, where she settled and then married Frank Fletcher, from Great Village. She worked in various capacities in Wawa, from bank teller to medical secretary, legal aid to bookkeeper, while she brought up their three children. In the early 1970s, she enacted her dream of opening the Bookstore and Hobby Centre in Wawa, while simultaneously serving as an elected school board member, volunteering with the Canadian Mental Health Association and other community groups, finding time to skip a curling team to a few wins, and lots of laughter. Joan was a great friend and community leader.
Upon retirement in 1989, she moved to Nova Scotia, her place by the sea, and began to systematically transform a rugged hillside into an attractive garden with only her willpower, a weed eater (actually multiple weed eaters), and a stubborn belief that anything was possible. She also found time to volunteer with VON and SDHHNS (Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians), conduct art therapy classes, and convey the comfort and power she felt from the ocean in oil and water color paintings.
Joan was predeceased in 2010 by her husband, Frank, after 54 years of adventure together. She is survived by children, Diane, Jennifer (Desale) and David (Debbie); grandchildren, Andralyn (Duane), David and Rebecca. She also leaves behind many relatives and close friends spread across Canada and around the world. She was the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews, and “second Mom” to others.
Many thanks to the Palliative Care team and her health care providers over the years.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew, 2 Circassion Dr., Cole Harbour. Reception to follow in the church. Interment to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Red Cross or Plan International.
