Joan lived her life with grace & dignity. Without complaint, with strength & courage she accepted what fate handed her. With family by her side, Joan passed away peacefully on October 28, 2021 at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, the same place she started her nursing career in 1947.
Joan lived her life in service of others. Following her 40+ years nursing career she continued to serve and care for members of her family and community, always putting others first.
Joan enjoyed volunteering for OneCare delivering meals-on-wheels for nearly two decades. For many years she spent her Monday’s volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul. It was here that she developed a passion for collecting and sorting children’s books and supplies, and in collaboration with the Grand Bend Rotary Club she sent dozens of boxes to schools in South Africa.
As a member of Lakeshore Church for 70 years, Joan enjoyed singing in the choir every Sunday. She also served on many church committees and was heavily involved in the church community. At 90 years of age, you could find Joan volunteering overnight for the “Huron Out of the Cold” Emergency Shelter Program.
Her compassion and love for animals was known to anyone who knew her. Possums, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, birds, and stray cats could all be found enjoying a meal on Joan’s back deck almost any night of the week. She always had a special way with animals.
Having endured great loss throughout her life with the passing of her husband Harold (1987) and daughter Marie (1992), Joan’s strength and fortitude will forever be admired by those who loved her. It brings us joy to imagine the reunion happening now for Joan, Harold and Marie.
Joan is survived by her sister Marg (Nyle, 2016) Soehner. Brothers in law Ed (Jeanne, 2019) Mundle, Bob (Nell, 2020) Holland. Daughters Dianne (Jim) Anderson and Barb Little. Granddaughters Marley Bartholomew, Sarah (Adam) Sipione, Jacy Anderson and great grandson Aiden Bartholomew.
At Joan’s request there will be no visitation. A service will be held Friday Nov. 19 at 11 am at Lakeshore United Church, Goderich. Attendance to attend the service must be booked through McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, 519-524-7345. A limited number of guests may attend. Masks and social distancing are required.
In lieu of flowers, we thank you for memorial donations to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines [email protected] or St. Vincent DePaul http://www.svdpgoderich.ca/
A livestream of Joan’s service can be found at the YOUTUBE channel for Lakeshore United Church https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCINgoJF_sih3LsbazfDQ3zg/featured
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).
Dawn Edgar
I just learned of Joan’s passing…such a loss. I used to stay at her house when I first took my job here in Goderich, 2-3 nights/week and she was always so welcoming and accommodating. Loved our quick catch up chats when we would bump into one another over the years since first meeting 19 years ago. My condolences to her family and friends.
John Hindley
Our family was blessed many times over with Joan’s kindness and generosity. Even after we moved from Goderich, she would call us on our birthdays. Such care and consideration of others defined Joan’s sense of purpose. Our deepest sympathies to Dianne, Barb and families. Peace be with you all.
John Hindley and Rev. Kathi Urbasik-Hindley
Catharine Stecca
Joan was very kind to me and my children. She was a thoughtful, non-judgemental person.
I always enjoyed talking to and working with her at Lakeshore. Glad to hear all these stories of
her generosity to so many animals, just some of the things she did with no thought for credit.
Becky & Gene Bender
Our sincere condolences to Joan’s family. We remember Joan as someone who quietly cared deeply and who never was concerned about being recognized for her many contributions. Her strength was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged to know her.
Linda Ramasamy
Joan, what a Friend. Generous and warmhearted towards her elderly neighbours, neighbourhood wildlife and much more. Joan’s home is a reflection of her; welcoming and open, generously sharing hospitality and friendship. Christmas gatherings with her family and friends is a joyful recollection of being present in an accepting and welcoming space. She will always remain my dear Friend and such a privilege and honour to have met and known this strong, good and caring person, Joan Hibbert.
Robert and Beverly Budd
Grace and Dignity for certain. Twenty years ago when we ran the Huron Community Garden, we relied on volunteers to make it work. Joan was a stalwart. She and the McGills were our go to team on challenging mornings. That generation knew how to get things done!
We very much enjoyed our conversations as well. Joan was a insightful observer of nature and could share so many interesting stories. She was a wonderful role model for all of us. A life well lived.
Matt, Kristin, Mara, & Hugo Crane
Sincere sympathy to the Hibbert family.
Joan made a huge, positive impact on our family and will be dearly missed. She was our neighbor when we first moved to Goderich, and we could not have asked for a better welcoming committee. She was so kind and generous; the kids (and our dog) loved the attention (and treats!). Even after we moved a few blocks away, she was always keenly interested in the goings-on of our family and we never ran out of things to chat about (cats, dogs, birds, trees, boats, history, Western Canada, etc…).
We will remember our “group at the end of the block” around the firepit, watching the stars over the lake. She taught us a lot about the “old times” and remained a true connection to the past right to the end with her incredible memory.
Her fondness for animals was legendary, her volunteering was tireless, and her spirit was unfappable. Thank you Joan, you will be missed.
Brian Hall
I guess I have “known” Joan since high school but when she took an interest in Rotary’s Global Literacy Project several years ago I reconnected and we became “partners” in making sure surplus childrens books from St Vincent De Paul ended up in the hands of African children. She collected the books, sorted and packed them for me and called when she had a car load. Her warm nature combined with stubborn diligence was hard to argue with. We had many lovely visits and phone conversations. She put her heart into each box she packed! She is truly one of a kind and I will miss her.
Kim Hesser
Diane, Barb and families…. I was so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I remember so many occasions growing up in the neighbourhood that were spent at your house and your mom figured into a lot of our activities. She had such a lovely manner and though it wasn’t as obvious, a playful side. She will be missed in the neighbourhood and also for her generosity with her many causes.
Renee Jane and Wayne Willson
Dear Diane, Barb and family, We were so saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. She was such a gracious and welcoming hostess. Joan had so many stories to share of the Hibbert, Hill and Carter connection. We will miss her smile and cherish our memories. May God comfort you all. You are in our prayers. Love, Renee Jane and Wayne
Teresa Patterson
Barb, thinking of you and your family. Our condolences to everyone who will miss your Mom.
Tanya Hardy
An exemplary woman. I will not forget her kindnesses shown to my late mother and father-in-law, Evelyn and Wilmer Hardy. My condolences to Joan’s family and friends.
Linda MacDonald
Our sincere sympathy to Joan’s family, Joan was a lovely caring person and we enjoyed talking with her and she shared her books with me for our organization when we had book sales. A great person to have known . She will be missed.
John and Linda MacDonald
Betty Thomasson
It was a privilege and an honour to know Joan. Her quiet strength and grace shone through in all she said and did. Hers was truly a life well lived. She was an example to all of us.
Margo Bettger-Hahn
I have years of memories of your Mom and her kindness, caring, and lovely quiet laugh. She was such a resilient woman and a wonderful role model as a nurse, and Church and community member. Sincerest sympathy, Margo
Tim Clancy
Barb, Dianne and family.
My condolences on the passing of your mother. I’ll remember her as a very strong, caring and community minded individual who has been a fixture in the neighbourhood since my youth. It will be different without her there.
Sincerely, Tim Clancy
Mary Ellen McGill
Dear Joan, you were loved by many and will be missed by all. I hope my Mom (Lois McGill) was also there to greet you upon arrival. You were great friends with so many memories of time spent together at church and volunteering in the community. You even travelled together to Europe once all your children were launched. Your amazing contributions here on earth will be with us always.
Barb and Diane, I too have great memories of your mom from the time we moved to Goderich until my last phone conversation with her when my Mom died in August. My only regret was that I didn’t go to visit her when she was unable to get to the funeral. I really liked your mom and she continued to visit Mom and maintain contact with her after the accident which meant so much to my Mom. Joan lived an amazing life and you must be so proud of her. My thoughts and sympathies are with you.
Mary Ellen
Nina Reynolds
It’s hard to imagine not having Joan as a neighbour and friend – the best of both. The world is better for having Joan in it and she will be missed.
Larry Mohring
Condolences on the passing of your mom.
She and my mother were in nursing training together, and then nursed together at AMGH for many years.
I reconnected with Joan after we moved back to Huron County years ago, and enjoyed conversations with her – sadly, too few – and her recollections about their time together.
Joan will be missed by many of us.
Barbara Potzel
Sorry for you loss, thoughts and prayers are with you.
MABEL CLARK
I worked with Joan in the late 60’s when I first came to Goderich hospital.She was my mentor and a good teacher . A great nurse. A lovely lady . She was proud of her family. My sincere sympathy.Mabel Clark.
Rosemary Beange
To Joan’s daughters,
Our sincere condolence to you on the passing of your mother,
She was a great nurse, friendly and caring. Cherish your
wonderful memories. She will be missed by family and friends.
Allan & Rosemary Beange
Nancy White
My sincere sympathy to all of Joan’s family. She was a wonderful caring lady!!
Delbert Shewfelt
My sympathy to Joan’s family. Joan was such a lovely lady with many talents and very caring.
We had lots of fun with your mom and dad in the Kinsman, many years ago.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Joan’s family and friends – you are in my special thoughts – with sadness and sympathy.
Joan has been a special part of our community – a wonderful example to all whose lives – she touched.
Sincerely – Cecelia Denomme
MABEL CLARK
Joan was my mentor working nights at Goderich hospital when I came to Goderich in the late 60’s.agood nurse and teacher.a lovely Lady. Mabel Clark.
Edith Walker
I have many memories of working with Joan at the church. What a wonderful volunteer and caregiver to so many. Her friends included the animals in her yard or a cat that found its way into her home. I have been lucky to have known such a friend.
Sympathy to her family.
Kelly McPherson
I met Joan through Marie Amero. Your mom was such a great lady. I am sure she will be missed by many. Including her four legged friends that would visit.
Sincere condolences,
Kelly McPherson