Joan Marie Dornan

Joan Marie Dornan – age 84. With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our mother Joan (Rowe) Dornan on Oct. 23, 2017 in The Magnolia Continuing Care Community, Enfield, N.S.

Joan was born in Halifax, N.S. on April 30, 1933. She was the youngest daughter of the late Walter and Gertrude Rowe.

Following graduation from St. Pat’s Catholic School she received her Secretarial Diploma and held several jobs in her field until marrying the love of her life, Patrick Dornan in 1956. As a full time homemaker, and mother, Joan found ways to foster her creative side through her passion for crafts. She always had a project of some kind on the go; needle work, ceramics, crocheting, knitting and flower arranging were a few of her many talents.

Joan also enjoyed the company of friends and family. Whipping up a delicious meal or lunch for visitors gave her great joy, which was confirmed by the full bellies and smiles of her guests.

Together with her husband Pat, who predeceased her, they raised five amazing children in a home filled with love. Anne Hepburn (Frank) deceased; Patrick; Walter (Jeanne); Phillip (Hope); and Janet. Through modeling, they taught us the importance of fostering kindness, compassion, humility, giving and independence. For that, we are forever grateful.

Mom was also blessed to have four loving grandchildren; Julia, Erin, Christopher and Stephanie and one great-grandchild, Nicoli. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family; Mary Rowe; Walter Rowe (Marie) William Rowe; Helen Heard (Eric) and Edith Boyle (Allan). Joan is survived by her sister in-laws Marie Rowe and Joan Dornan as well as brother in-laws John Dornan and A. Edward Dornan and many nieces and nephews.

We, the family, would like to thank Dr. D. Sheehy and the staff of The Magnolia Continuing Care Community for ensuring our Mother was loved and well cared for. She always bragged about the “Royal Treatment” she received while living at “The Ritz!”

In keeping with her wishes, Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors on Friday, Oct. 27 from 6-8 p.m. with the Memorial Service on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m., both in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. Reception will follow. Interment in Robie Street Cemetery, Truro.

In lieu of flowers and donations we ask that you please pay forward a kind act in memory of our precious Mom. Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ColchesterCommunity.com

“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” — Dorothy Canfield Fisher