Obituary of Joan Ann Mitchell

With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Joan Ann (Donovan) Mitchell, surrounded by family, on March 10th, 2021. Born on November 8th, 1934, in Enniskillen, New Brunswick, a vanished village now part of CFB Gagetown, to the late Joan (Lannen) and Timothy Donovan. She will be deeply missed by her loving son Robert Mitchell (York Lethbridge) of Toronto and Prince Edward County, Ontario; sister Mary Tennant; sister-in-law June Donovan; and her beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Allan Mitchell; her brothers Patrick Donovan, Michael Donovan (Thelma) and James Donovan (Janet); sisters-in-law Mary MacFarlane (William), Bertha Pitt (Harold) and Lena Smith (Ruben); brothers-in-law Paul Tennant and John Mitchell. Joan was a special force, who made friends with ease wherever she went - a kind, loving and devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She was a woman ahead of her time, from supporting her family on their farm, as the eldest sister following her mother’s passing at a young age, to working as a telephone switchboard operator in Fredericton Junction in the 1950s, and then for many years at CFB Gagetown mostly with the Queen’s Printer where she made lifelong friends. She skillfully balanced her career with being a doting mother and dedicated homemaker, demonstrating tremendous passion and skill in the kitchen whether it be cooking a feast, scrumptious baked goods, or her renowned jams and pickles. During her lengthy retirement, Joan indulged in local bounty during pickling and preserving season, which she enjoyed immensely, overflowing her pantry with bottled memories. She found joy in connecting with her family and friends far and wide, as well as reminiscing and celebrating the historic communities lost to the creation of CFB Gagetown, including her Irish and Welsh heritage. Devout in her Faith, Joan maintained an open heart and a steadfast curiosity about the world. She will be remembered for her sharp wit and warm laughter, that she so often shared with those closest to her. The family conveys heartfelt thanks to Mary Saunders, her friend and confidant of 20 years, special caregivers Corinne Peterson and Michelle Desjarlais, and many others who allowed her to remain at home into her 86th year; to her friends and neighbours at Kimble Terrace Estates over the years, for their friendship and kindness; to the wonderful caregivers and extended team at Windsor Court who cared for her with affection, making her feel at home in new surroundings; and to Dr. Van Middlesworth, as well as the dedicated doctors and compassionate nurses at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton, on Sunday, March 14th from 2-5 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 1 William Street, Fredericton, on Monday, March 15th at 2 pm. Please call McAdam’s at (506) 458–9170 to reserve a space for the service, as seating may be limited due to COVID restrictions. Interment will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations are suggested to the Arthritis Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.