CRAIGIE (Foote), Joan Ann

It is with profound sadness that the family of Joan Ann Craigie announce her passing on April 9, 2020. Beloved wife of James for 62 years. Cherished sister, mother and grandmother; her warmth and beautiful smile brightened the day for all who knew her. Born in 1935, she was the eldest child and cherished big sister of her six siblings. Predeceased by her parents, Dr. William Rodgers Foote and Joan Francis Buckley, and only brother, Dr. John Foote, she is survived by sisters, Jill Conrod, Ottawa, Ont.; Jennifer Gilfillan (John), Toronto, Ont.; Wendy Cummings (Robert), Montreal, Que.; June Slakov (Roy), Vancouver, B.C.; Pamela Coupland, Ottawa; and sister-inlaw, Jennifer Foote, Jonesboro, Ariz. Devoted mother of George (Evelyn), Montreal, Que.; Pamela (Verne Glavin), Hamilton, Ont.; and Kathleen (Peter Roy), Toronto, Ont. Joan Ann was a proud and loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Laura (Ryan Ami), John, James, Joanna, Thomas, Kaylee, William, and Charles. She took great delight in frolicking with them during many summer vacations spent at Craigie Bay. Her interest in art and language began early in life with her father’s encouragement and his support of the arts. Children’s classes given by Group of Seven artist, Arthur Lismer, were influential in developing her lifetime passion for painting and art history. Raised in Montreal, Que. she used her bilingual ability later in life when teaching languages. Following university degrees, BA (Mount Allison) and BED (Mount Saint Vincent), Joan Ann’s love of children led into teaching until she opted to devote her energy to her growing family and to community service. She was active with the Girl Guides and was a long-time member of Saint Peter’s Church and its Ladies Guild where she made many friends. With her children in school she enrolled in the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design to complete her BFA. She lovingly created beautiful acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings for family, special friends, and as donations for various charities. Joan Ann met James, the love of her life, in Kingston, early in her university days. On returning to Canada from studies in Europe, they settled in Nova Scotia and later travelled in both Americas, Asia, and Australia. She prepared for such trips with classes in Spanish and Mandarin to better appreciate the lives of her new friends. Joan Ann’s love of family was reflected in her many poems, letters, cards, photos and paintings of special reunions and holidays together. We will miss her dearly. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to Dr. Valerie Lewis for exceptional care, and to the dedicated nurses and caregivers on Drummond-3 who provided loving care and support during Joan Ann’s residence at Parkland. Cremation has taken place. The family will hold a Celebration of Remembrance and Life when it is safe to gather. Charities such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Nova Scotia, your local food bank, or others welcome donations. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com