Obituary of Joan Wilma Matthews

Matthews (Martin) Joan W.E. – age 86, passed away in Wolfville, on Saturday, October 19th, with her youngest daughter by her side. Joan was born in Erith Kent, England; only child of Joseph and Alice Martin. She was a precocious child, inquisitive and with a yearning for the arts. Mum attended, “St. Claires” private school, where she cultivated and absorbed everything around her. When the Second World War broke out, her direction in life changed. She, like many other young people, participated in the war effort. She worked in an ammunitions plant, until joining the women’s British army – ATS (Auxillary Territorial Services). She met and married my father (who was serving in the North Nova Scotia Highlanders 3rd Div.) in England. As a war bride, mum sailed for four days on the Queen Mary, from South Hampton, arriving in Halifax, August of 1946. Mum resided in Shelburne, since arriving in Canada, until two years ago. She always had a love of the arts, theatre and culture. She was a member of the Shelburne Library for a number of years, and often participated with fund raising. In her later years, she also taught exercise classes for several years, which she greatly enjoyed. It gave her a sense of fulfillment and appreciation to work with friends and make new ones. With so many mouths to feed at home, my mum was an amazing cook. Everything that she turned her curiosities to, were mouth watering, especially, her pastry, baked goods and gravy. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Dennis, beloved oldest daughter, Barbara, and one grandchild, Natalie. She is survived by son Gordon (N.W.T.), Daughters; Patricia (Ontario), Joan-M (New Brunswick) and Pamela (Wolfville); as well as four grand children and one great grandchild. My mother was always, in her heart, a “city girl”, and missed England until her last breath. A service will be held at The Christ Anglican Church on Hammond St. Shelburne; Saturday, October 26 at 2 pm. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org). There will be no internment, as mum’s ashes, will be taken home, to England. May you find safe harbour, mum. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, Wolfville Chapel (568 Main St) 542-4656.