JARDINE, Joan Barbara (Bailey)
Joan Barbara (Bailey) Jardine passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018, at the age of 92. She passed away as she had lived her life, peacefully, with grace and surrounded by love.
Joan was born in Camrose, Alberta, on June 17, 1925, to Freda and Frank Bailey.
She left her home at the age of 18 to join the Royal Canadian Navy. While stationed at Point Edward Naval Hospital as a Wren, she met and married her husband and love of her life for 60 years, Eric Jardine. After the war, they settled in Sydney, where Eric set up a dental practice and they raised a family of seven children. Joan was a kind and gentle person who loved her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply. After 50 years of marriage, Joan and Eric renewed their vows in a small chapel in Baddeck, much to the delight of their family.
Although Joan was humble, ladylike and gracious, she had a daring side, too. Her grandchildren were impressed that, at the age of 85, she could still do a handstand in the Bras d’Or Lakes, at the cottage in Ben Eoin. They loved the stories of her parasailing with her son, Franklin in Florida, kissing a stingray, or bell diving on vacation. Joan, as always, brought out the best in those who shared her presence. She recognized everyone that was in the room or at her table, insuring that no one felt left out. Kindness was her trademark. Her care and awareness of the needs others was founded in her a deep faith. This faith gave her strength to cope throughout times of loss in her life. Joan took great pleasure with lifelong friends in her bridge club and Unit 4 UCW at St. Andrews Church.
Joan is survived by her children, Barbara (Bob Mutch), Donnie (Betsy), Janet (Glenn O’Neil), Leslie (Eric Deveaux), Rebecca Joan (Joanie). Joan is the proud grandmother of 17 adoring grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Joan is also survived by her two nephews, Bob and Jeff Bailey and their families.
Joan was predeceased by her only brother, Don and his wife, Melva of Camrose; her husband, Eric; sons, Bruce and Franklin and her daughter-law, Maureen, as well as grandchildren, Rebecca and Bailey, in infancy.
Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Sunday, May 6th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Memorial service will be held at United Heritage Church, Charlotte Street, Sydney on Monday, May 7th at 11 a.m., officiated by Rev. Rosemary Godin and Rev. Thomas Whent.
Joan’s family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of the Cove Guest Home. In particular, the beautiful team of the Creative Care Unit enriched Mom’s life daily by treating her like family.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cove Guest Home.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www. sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ ns.sympatico.ca.