Obituary of Joan Barbara Armstrong

Joan Barbara Armstrong, 87 of Kempt Shore/Windsor  passed away peacefully with family at her side on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 in the Hants Community Hospital.  Born on June 10, 1932 in Falmouth, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Lena (Benedict) Taylor.

Mom will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her loving dedication to her family and friends.

*****

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.  I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.  I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.  I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when my life is done.

*****

She loved to cook and bake, you never left her home without a meal, or at least a cup of tea and some of her homemade and very delicious sweets. Sunday suppers with the family were always popular while she still resided in her home. Family was important to her and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special. She enjoyed watching them grow into strong, young adults.

Joan was a hairdresser, and had her studio in her home.  And if you were not able to come to her, she would come to you. Joan was very active in her community, she would volunteer helping seniors, church and cemetery committees, cooking and baking for fundraising suppers and collecting for various organizations.  One of her favourite pastimes was bass fishing.

Mom will be missed tremendously and will remain in our hearts forever.

*****

There was a time when I was free to live my life in harmony, before the illness, which blighted me, swept faces and places from my mind, people I loved from my memory.  Remember me as I used to be.  Think of me; remember my smile, the love we shared; linger awhile.  I am at Peace now, I am me, at rest for all eternity.

*****

Joan is survived by her children Carol (Doug) O’Leary; Jimmie (Wendy Brown) Armstrong; Brenda (Trevor) McEachern; grandchildren Ryan, Jonathan, Adam, Morgan, Kyla, Brandon and Alec; great-grandchildren Madisen, Michael and Zayn; brother Ronald (Peggy) Taylor; sisters Faye (Don) Brooks and Doreen Hunter; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband Lorimer; daughter Joanne Church; grandson Michael Church; sisters Phyllis Smith, Miriam Parker and Betty Cochrane; brothers Fred, Danny and Garry.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dykeland Lodge, the Emerg at Valley Regional Hospital and to the wonderful staff at Hants Community Hospital, Unit 200, who made her final days so comfortable with their compassionate and loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Kempt United Baptist Church, Summerville, with Rev. Garnet Parker officiating. A reception will follow service in the Summerville District Fire Hall. A simple act of kindness would be appreciated, such as a visit to someone in hospital or nursing home. Memorial donations may be made to Hants Shore Community Health Centre or Kempt Shore Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).