Joan Frances O'Neill

 

Mrs. Joan Frances (Edwards) O’Neill, 96, of Oak Bay, NB, formally of Grand Harbour, Grand Manan, NB, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at the Passamaquoddy Lodge, St. Andrews, NB.  

Joan was born and grew up in Birmingham, England, the daughter of William and Bessie (Reeves) Edwards. She was a member of the Land Army during WW2 where she met her husband Teddy.  They were married in Cheme and subsequently immigrated to Canada to a small fishing community on Grand Manan.  As a war bride Joan found her way with the family and residents of the Island fully devoted to her church, family and community.  Her passions in life in those early days were music, teaching dance, sewing, gardening and raising her family. Joan influenced so many with her kind words and actions.  Later in life Joan moved to St Stephen following her husband again to operate their family business.  Family and church again became the cornerstone for her where she became an active member of Christ Church, St Stephen.  She was a lifelong member of Anglican Church Women, Quilters and later Bible studies.  For years she devoted hours to the Chicken Soup Charity making and selling bookmarks.  Joan passed on leaving a legacy of a devoted Mother and Grandmother.

Joan is survived by two sons Michael (Penny) O’Neill of Woodward’s Cove, Grand Manan, Daniel (Catherine) O’Neill of Oak Bay, her daughter, Kathleen (Joseph) Moffatt of Oak Bay, seven grandchildren Stephen, Walter, Jennifer, Tami and Danny, Trina and Kyle; eleven great grandchildren Michael, Oren, Gage, Georgia, Kyla, Shauna, Zac, Sam, Brynn, Maeryn and Ellieanna; numerous nieces and nephews and her only sister Barbara Tillyer.

Joan is predeceased by her parents, her husband Theodore Walter O’Neill, one son Antony and one granddaughter Michaela Joan.

Donations in memory of Joan may be made to the Anglican Parish of St. Stephen (email anglicanparishststephen@gmail.com).

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Ells Funeral Home Inc., 1199 Route 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G 1G2. Condolences, messages of sympathy may also be sent to www.ells.ca or (506)662-3116.

Special thanks to the Passamaquoddy Lodge nursing staff for their kindness and care.

Due to the current health restrictions, there will be a private family funeral service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. The O'Neill family will receive friends and family at St. Paul's Church Hall on Monday, February 15, 2021, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm with a maximum of 25 people at anytime during visitation in adherence with Covid -19 restrictions. Social distancing and masks are mandatory, please call the Funeral Home to be added to the guest list.