Passed away at Seaforth Community Hospital on September 3rd, 2025, at the age of 83. Beloved wife of the late Bill Chesney (2023) for 59 years. Cherished mother of Harold and Deb Chesney of Seaforth and Laura and George Collins of Brucefield. Adored grandma of Sadie, and Quinn. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by parents Ed and Mary (Munn) Boyce and siblings-in-law Harold Chesney (Alma), Peggy Lemon (Cecil), Pearson “Perk” Chesney (Fern), Margaret McKilligan (Art), and Dorothy Clark (Jack).
Joan made Seaforth her lifelong home. She dedicated much of her career to caring for others as a nurse at Seaforth Community Hospital and Seaforth Medical Centre, where her compassion and commitment touched countless lives. Beyond her work, she remained deeply involved in the community through the Seaforth Community Hospital Auxiliary, the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation, and Huron Hospice; always offering her time and energy wherever it was needed. Joan will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her willingness to lend a helping hand, and the many ways she gave of herself to others.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at the Seaforth Legion on Monday, September 8th, 2025 from 1–4 pm. A private family interment will be held at Maitlandbank Cemetery in Seaforth.
Donations to the Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
june johns
Dear Laura and your family
I met your mother as a patient and later as a Hospital Auxilary member I visited her upstairs while she was so very sick at Stratford Hospital. She was always so smiling and kind to me and we were good friends. Her Hospital vest was covered with important pins which she certainly deserved.
Love and hugs to you all there.
June Johns
Kathryn mcdermott
Sincere condolences to all of the Chesney family. We were classmates, Joan was a lovely person. Kathy (Boshart) McDermott.
Cora Alcock
To Joan’s family. Such a sad loss, to soon. Ross and I cherished Joan’s friendship and her help for many years. Sincere condolences.
Gordon Phillips
Sending my condolences 🙏 to Joan’s family.
Cherish all the fond memories
❣️
Betty Lou Glew
I am so sorry to hear of Joans passing She was such a caring person always a smile and a kind word when we met , She will be missed by many people Our sincere thoughts and sympathy for all of her friends and family She will be missed Betty Rob and Mary Lynn Glew
Helen Craig
Joan was a neighbour just outside of Seaforth growing up and I have known her for many years. It was good to have a chat at Homecoming with her. Sincere Sympathy to the family. Helen (Elliott) Craig
Sharron (Chamney) Durst
Joan graduated from SGH in our 1971 class.
My deepest sympathies to all of the family.
smith anne marie
Harold and Laura,
My deepest condolences to you and your families. Your mom was a special person and lovely neighbour.
Anne Marie (Hoste) Smith
Valerie Bolton
Sending my sincere sympathies to all the family. I had the pleasure of working with Joan at SCH. She shared her wealth of knowledge of rural emergency care when I first came to the community. She made a difference and will be missed
Carl and Val Bolton
Carol Duquette
Laura, Harold and family. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Joan was such a good friend and dedicated, caring and compassionate nurse. My mother and myself knew Joan for many years and she will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful part of our family on the hill. Fly high with the angels.
Carol and Dennis Duquette, Shirley Staffen
Lois McLlwain
Our sincere sympathy to the Chesney family.
Joan was such a kind-hearted person. She will be missed.
Lois & Ken McLlwain
cathy andreassi
Laura and Harold and Families, so sorry for Your loss. I will always remember Joan at SCH for her Calm, Caring and Straightforward way she went about life…She will be so missed.
Ray and Linda mcnichol
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Her nursing career was well chosen as she was well respected in anything she did in C4th hospital and area. Rest in peace Joan. You have left a great legacy.
Bryan and Lynda Vincentnt
Harold and Laura and families, our deepest sympathies. We crossed paths with Joan in so many places, not least of which was being a great neighbour. Such a lovely person who added so much to our community!
Anne McGregor
Laura, Harold and Family,
Sending our condolences, we are thinking of you during this difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Anne McGregor
Mary & Jim Barnes
Deepest sympathy to the Chesney family. I also worked at Seaforth Hospital in Medical Records as well as with the Hospital Auxiliary. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace.
Mary & Jim
Dianne and Ralph Wood
Such a shock to hear of Joan’s passing.
Always greeted with a big smile and was up for a chat. Joan was a knowledgeable, caring, efficient charge nurse in the Seaforth Hospital Emergency department. I had the pleasure of working and learning from her on the job. So sorry for yours and the community’s loss. Our heartfelt sympathy.
Glenn Chesney
Glenn & Marilyn Chesney
So sorry to hear about Joan. We just talked to her at the Post Office
last week. She will be missed by many. RIP
..
Glenn & Marilyn C,
Faye Oliver
I met your mom and dad when I went to Alon. Laura use to babysit for me. Your mom was so loving and thoughtful. She was there for me when my grandfather Arnold Scott died. You mom talked about being a nurse and then I came involved with being a PSW . I think of her often.
Joan lwas so proud of Laura and Harold and loved her grandchildren very much.
RIP Joan
Don & Jennifer Matthews
Sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom , Joan. She was one of a kind, a wonderful and genuine friend. She will be missed and not forgotten.
Kay Mailloux
My sympathies on the loss of your Mother/Grandmother. I was one of the many who worked with Joan at SCH. She will be remembered as a kind and caring caregiver. Loved by many who knew her.
Leo Teatero
We’re so sorry for your loss, Laura and Harold. Your mother was an extraordinary lady, remembered not only for her kindness, but also for her lifelong commitment to caring for others. Her many years as a nurse and her tireless volunteering with the hospital auxiliary touched countless lives in our community. She gave so much of herself to her patients, her friends, and her town, always with generosity and compassion.
She was also our mom’s dearest friend for over 50 years, and we will always treasure the bond they shared and the memories of the many times they spent together. We hope it brings you comfort to know how deeply she was loved and how greatly she will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to you both and to your families.
With love,
Frances Teatero, Larry, Leo and Lorne and our families
Gordon & Irma Pryce
Harold and Laura and families; Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. When Janet’s was still open, we often had coffee together. Joan was always friendly with a smile. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Gordon and Irma Pryce.
Pauline Linton
To Harold and Laura and your families…..I was part of the SCH team/family for many years with Joan. She was a leader on so many levels and I truly did admire her for oh so many reasons. She was calm and kind, knowledgeable yet humble. I would see her handwritten notes throughout the department many years after she left, and they always made me smile. Rest easy Joan. 💞
You’ve made a difference and you will be missed.
Verla Russell
To the Chesney Family:
My sincere, heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Joan.
Joan was a wonderful lady.
We were friends and associates through the hospital auxiliaries.
Verla Russell
Exeter
Ken and Pat Rodney
Dear Harold and Laura and family Ken and I offer our very heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Mother. Joan was one of Ken’s favourite nurses and we always enjoyed her company She will be missed
Pat Desjardins
To Joan’s family
I have known Joan for several years, and reconnected with her through Relay for Life (Canadian Cancer Society)
Thinking of her family at this sad time.
Pat (Johnston) Desjardins
Liz Scott
My sympathy to Laura, Harold and your families
Joan was a wonderfully warm and caring person, she truly lived her vocation.
Her competent, empathetic nature was a support to so many.
I will always remember her making sure to connect with me annually while I was on the board for the Women’s Shelter and make a donation – and then in true Joan fashion, apologize for not having time to volunteer her time there as well.
She epitomized the word caregiver.
Colleen Smith
Harold, Laura and families
I’m so sorry to read this on the loss of your mom. She truly was a lovely woman and I was very fortunate to have known her when I was growing up. May your memories and faith help you through this difficult time.
Hugs to you all,
Colleen Smith
Donna Bennettt
Sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. My sympathy to you Laura, Harold and your family. Joan was kind and compassionate to everyone. Rest in peace Joan
Shirley Carter
I was so sorry to hear about Joan’s passing and send my sympathy to her family and many friends. Joan and I attended SDHS together and even though we did not meet often in the years following she never forgot our high school years. We both ended up in the hospital auxiliaries of out local hospitals of Seaforth and Clinton. Joan was always a thoughtful and kind person and I know she will be greatly missed by many whose hearts she touched. Enjoy the many memories that she left for sharing.
Shirley (Knox) Carter
Rudy Jansen
Deepest sympathies to Laura Harold and all your families. 💔💔💔RIP. JOAN. Rudy Jansen
Shanna Core
My sincere condolences to the Chesney family. I had the privilege of working with Joan for 13 years. I learned a lot from her, she was a wonderful person.
keith lyddiatt
George , Laura and family- Sending our condolences to all. It is never easy to say goodbye to a parent. Treasure your memories. -Keith and Marg
Carolanne Doig
To all Joan’s family and friends, my sincere sympathy. Joan was a great supporter of all things related to our local hospital and other health related groups and organizations. May your memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Bob and Barb Watson
Our heartfelt condolences to the Chesney family
John Munro
Laura,Harold and families. Rose and I sure will miss Joan. She was a Pillar of strength and an awesome nurse who would give me a lot of comfort when I was sick. God Bless you our dear friend.❤️❤️❤️
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Anne dayman
To the family my condolences. She was a lovely lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joanne Rowcliffe
Joan was a delightful and loving person who cared deeply for the people in her life. She will be missed by so many people. We loved Joanie.
May Joan rest in peace and rise in glory.
Joanne Rowcliffe & Bob Simpson.
Jerry & Linda Traquair
Sending our condolences on your great loss. We spent time with Joan on a trip to Branson a few years back. Such a nice woman.
Paul and JoAnne MATTHEWS
We were saddened by the loss of your mother. She truly was a great person, nurse,and mother. She was committed to her calling as a nurse.
Sheila Feeney
My Deepest Sympathy Harold, Laura and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Joan at SCH for many years. She was a wonderful,kind person. I will miss our chats when we met. Fly with the angels Joan.
Dan Rooyakkers
Sincere sympathies on your loss of your mom/grandma. Worked with her starting in 1996 at the hospital. She cared for all of us in the community and a great teacher and leader. Thank you Joan we will miss you
Sue Riley
Harold & family.
Sending deepest condolences on the passing of your mother.
Sharon aWalter
Joan and I went through school together – elementary to high school. A lovely woman, an exceptional nurse, a kind & loving person. I shall miss her. Sincere sympathy to her family. God bless.
Brian & Helen Oldfield
Sending sincere condolences to Joan’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Her dedication as a nurse and her ongoing care of the people in this community will be fondly remembered. She will be greatly missed.
Donna Fonti
My sincere condolences to the Chesney family. Such a wonderful lady. Hugs.
Glenda Feeney
Harold, Laura and families. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Joan was an awesome nurse! 💜
Joyce Doig
To Laura, Harold and the Chesney families : So very, very sad to learn of Joan’s passing. We often chatted and compared challenges of working an Emergency Room. We had the same job, just different places. Your Dad and my late hubby, Rod, were close, close friends so we always had stories to share. Joan was the ultimate nurse, always professional, kind, brilliant at her job. I am so happy to have known her as a fellow nurse but also a wonderful friend. Rest in Peace dear Joan and prayers and hugs to your family. Joyce Doig.
Linda and Jerry Allin
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Joan’s Family. She was such a lovely and caring woman and a favourite at the Seaforth Hospital and the Medical clinic. Joan was also one of the kindest person that I know. Rest in peace ❤️
[email protected]
Sincere sympathy to All Joan’s family. She was a great Lady & co-worker. Will miss her at the SCH volunteer events.
Loretta, Neil Dolmage
Jacquelyne Mitchell
To the Chesney Family my sincere condolence Joan was a wonderful and caring lady Rest in Peace Joan You will be missed Jacquelyne Mitchell
Joy Ross
Laura and Harold and family’s,my deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your mother, Joan was someone I liked to see whenever I had a visit to the ER, she was so involved with the Hospital and the care of everyone, she will be missed, she was a lovely person, my thoughts and prayers are with you, RIP Joan,
Jeanette Connolly
Laura, Harold and families. I am so sorry to hear about Joan. God didn’t make people better than your mom. I will miss her all of my days . ♥️
Anne and Lyle
It is with sadness that Joan has passed away she was such a beautiful person , to all of Joan’s family our heartfelt prayers are with you .
RIP Joan .
Anne and Lyle
Kathy & Greg O’Reilly
Sincere sympathies on your loss of Mom/Grandma. It was always great chatting with Joan, & she always spoke lovingly of her kids & grandkids!
Joan will be missed! RIP!
Greg & Kathy O’Reilly