SALTWIRE.COM HALSEY, Joan Linda

Age 89, died peacefully on April 9, 2024, surrounded by her son Gary and daughter Debbie at the Admiral Long Term care facility where she lived under the loving care of the most kind and gentle staff. Joan is survived by her son, Gary; daughter-in-law, Cathy; daughter, Debbie; son-in-law, Morgan; daughter-in-law, Mary; and her grandchildren, Ben, Emily, Malcolm, Julian, Jason and Carol-lee. Preceded in death by her cherished husband of 67 years, Leslie; and her beloved daughter, Linda. Joan was born to Percy and Elphie Thompson in Gaspe, Quebec. Tragically, her mother died before she was four and her father was sent to war shortly after. Joan spent her first tender years of life not having a stable place to call home. At the age of seven, her Aunt Jesse became her legal guardian, and with her protective and unconditional love, Joan finally felt stability. Even though Joan moved to Montreal as a young child, Gaspe would be a place that she returned to every summer, often taking the train, which she would later describe as one of her favorite memories in her childhood. It was in Montreal that she eventually met young Leslie, when they were just 15. They dated throughout their teenage years and at 21, they married. Joan was a homemaker and raised three children while she supported her husband in his growing career. Joan was always active in the community, volunteering in hospitals and with her church family. Eventually life would take Joan, Leslie, and their youngest daughter, Debbie to Nova Scotia in 1983. It was here that Joan would find her new purpose. For the decades that followed, Joan became active in Church ministry. She facilitated Alpha workshops, worked with Street Connection and prison ministry. Joan was a member of the ACW and a lay reader. Joan carried her faith into all that she touched; she walked the walk. Joan often said that she was lost without a sense of family in her early years. However, she didn’t stay in that story of loss. With no roadmap of her own, Joan went on to create a legacy of teaching her children and grandchildren about the importance of family. She demonstrated to all that she knew how important showing love was, how the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference, and how to always be looking out for others in need. A legacy her family will carry forward. Memorial service, officiated by Rev. Kyle Wagner, will be held April 19th, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church, 61 Dundas Street, Dartmouth, NS. The service will be live streamed, https://app.restream.io/new-event-invitation/a0xEN1FKAI8VRQVOREIPJMGSqgz7go0/email