Joan Marie Balcom

Joan Marie is survived by her children Lynn Hamilton and Michael (Sandy); grandchildren Christopher (Megan), Cory (Michelle) and Aslan; great-grandchildren Breah, Chase, Griffin and Hunter; she shared a close relationship with her nieces Megan, Jenna Lynn and Debbie. She was predeceased by her husband Paul, sister Margo Hefler, daughter Nancy and grandsons Jacob and Thomas Hamilton.

Born on April 3, 1934 in Wolfville, Nova Scotia she was raised predominantly in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Upon coming to Halifax as a young woman to work for the Halifax Herald in a secretarial position, she met her love, life partner, and best friend Paul. After their marriage in 1956, they raised their family in Charlottetown, Saint John and Moncton ending up in Halifax in 1969 where Joan Marie was a crucial support to Paul as he started and ran a successful business. During this time she was active in the Engineer’s Wives Association, Inner Wheel with Rotary, several bridge clubs and bowling. Together, she and Paul enjoyed dates to the theatre and the symphony. Vacations and summer weekends were spent camping and then at the cottage which they built together. Many family members, friends and pets often bunked in with them at “the lake”. In winter, there were family cross country skiing excursions which usually included much laughter. Later on there were also annual adventures, often with family joining in, to Florida and Barbados.

Joan Marie will be remembered fondly for her kindness to all and interest in their lives (which often involved many questions on her part). For many years, she prepared pickles, jams, baked goods and the best turkey and roast beef dinners which she lovingly shared with her family. A special skill was being the one who always knew how to operate the computer and fix the TV remote. Music was always a source of happiness. She enjoyed swimming at the cottage and on travels south. As an avid walker, she continued her jaunts until her illness prevented her from doing so. Her important role as a Nana and Gram was always one of support, care, interest and enduring love.

A reception to celebrate Joan Marie’s life will be held on Thursday, December 11th from 1-3 pm at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Memory Care Unit of The Berkeley on Pepperell for their care of Joan Marie during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan Marie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, Canadian Cancer Society or Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.