Obituary of Joan Marlene Byrne
BYRNE, Joan Marlene
(nee Cooper)
May 16, 1933 - August 10, 2019
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden yet peaceful passing of our beloved Mother, Joan aka “Coop”.
Her last days were spent doing what she loved most, visiting family and friends. She had a gift for connecting people and was happiest when entertaining. A consummate host, she wasn’t the life of the party, she was the heart. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh will be missed by many.
As intelligent as she was beautiful, Mom graduated from Middleton Regional High School, valedictorian, winning the Birke’s Award for highest academics and outstanding student then continued on to an almost fifty year career in nursing.
After marrying the love of her life, Johnny, she embraced military life, traveling, raising a family and making lifelong friends in Europe and throughout Canada.
She had a special place in her heart for Boston Terriers and we can only imagine the joyous greeting she will receive from Cassius, Moshe, Cheers, Hammer and Crusoe.
Upon settling back to her birthplace, the Annapolis Valley, she worked at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital and upon retirement became an active member of the Kingston United Church, and board member of the Senior Safety Society.
Joan was a long standing member of the sorority Beta Sigma Phi and held the highest degree, Torch Bearer as well as earning an honorary lifetime membership.
She took great pride in her home and especially the gorgeous flower gardens she and Dad created together. She took pride as well, in her family and extended family. She was a wonderful, loving, supportive Mom and Grandma teaching by example the power of loyalty, strong work ethic, a sense of humour and a great outfit!
Joanie’s passion for shopping was legendary and her style impeccable! She was a fabulous yet humble, caring, ageless beauty who lived life to the fullest. An inspiration to us all.
Her light will shine in our hearts forever.
Joan is predeceased by her beloved husband John Byrne, grandparents George R and Zeffie Beals, parents Richard and Margaret Cooper.
She will be dearly missed by sisters Alice (John) and Wendy (Al), brother Richard (Andrea), children Tim (Sue), Nancy (Ken), Miriam (Rod) and Martina (HJ), grandchildren Justin, Joel, James, Rebecca (Aaron), Jack (Amar), Steven (Joanna) and Megan (Caleb) and greatgrandchildren, Jack, Cooper, Nolan and Kensley as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cremation has been entrusted to James Reid Funeral Home, Kingston ON.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the KINGSTON UNITED CHURCH, Kingston NS, on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 2pm.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kingston United Church, Kingston NS, Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
