Joan Marion Clara Buck

Joan was born on February 19th, 1949, in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and lived the first 18 years of her life in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. Joan attended the University of King’s College where she and her husband, Don, first met. After finishing her undergraduate, Joan completed an education degree at Dalhousie University and embarked on a short-lived 8 year teaching career, which she would gladly tell you she did not enjoy at all. She happily resigned to become a full-time mother, spending the next 6 years caring for her two daughters. In late 1985, she and Don formed Canmar Services Limited, a condominium property management firm, which celebrates its 40th year in business this year.

Joan leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Don, her two daughters Elise and Suzanne Buck (Glen Cluett), and most importantly, the greatest joys of her life, her 4 grandchildren, Ryan Fournier, and Lola, Kingston and Cameron McPherson. She also leaves behind many friends and family, who were so important to her and who she loved beyond measure.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Dr. Francis Melvin and Ethel (Rowe) French, and her brother David, who tortured her relentlessly as a child and became a best friend later in life.

Those lucky enough to have known Joan will know just how incredible a person she was. She was always extremely positive, even in the face of countless health challenges throughout her life. She had an amazing sense of humour, a captivating smile and laughed often and loudly with her whole body (at both herself and others). She was fiercely loyal to her friends and family and had a gift for drawing loved ones together and nurturing life-long friendships. She always had a list of people to reach out to and loved sending cards, making phone calls, and sharing meals with people. She was very competitive, and loved playing Bridge, Sorry!, Monopoly, Dominos, Gin Rummy and doing crossword puzzles and sudokus. She loved flowers and especially the scent of lavender, which will forever remind us of her.

Joan hated winter with a passion, and was always grateful that she and Don were able to spend the last 25 winters in Sarasota, Florida, where they made incredibly special friendships. Her favourite place on earth was her cottage in Lower Rose Bay, Nova Scotia. Rose Bay was her sanctuary, and she and Don spent as much time there as they could, welcoming friends and family for meals, lounging in the pool, pink sunsets, fireworks, radio bingo, a good feed of lobster, and, most importantly, outdoor showers.

She loved looking her best - hair, nails, lipstick and a good tan were non-negotiable. She hated socks, and working in the kitchen. She would far rather boss you around while you prepared her favourite meals - which if she had her way, would always include potatoes and shrimp.

Above all, Joan taught us to love without judgement, and to treat every person with kindness, dignity and equality. More than anything, we will miss the way she loved us - so deeply, unconditionally and so completely. That love was her greatest gift and will remain with us always.

A celebration of life will take place Sunday, July 19th, 2026 at the University of King’s College, Prince Hall, 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS at 2:00pm. Joan’s absolute favourite colour was pink. In her honour, we invite you to wear something pink to her celebration of life.