Joan Suzanne Barden

Joan Suzanne Barden, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, passed away suddenly at the Niagara Health – Marotta Family Hospital on September 1, 2026, in her 78th year. Born January 21, 1948, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Joan will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who knew her.

Joan devoted her working life to education, serving as a teacher at Cardinal Newman School and St. Patrick’s School, and later retiring from Mary Ward. Her commitment to her students and to the daily, steady work of teaching reflected a life shaped by purpose and care. In retirement, she found genuine enjoyment in time spent with family, and in the familiar comfort of meeting fellow teacher friends at Tim Hortons, Betty’s Restaurant, and The Greek on Portage—simple routines that spoke to lasting friendships and a life well rooted in community.

Joan is reunited with her parents, Leo and Margaret Barden; her sister, Marion Gibson; and her great-nephew, Ethan Dean. She is survived by her sister, Mary Beth Dean; brother-in-law, Bill Dean; nephew, Corey Dean; niece, Jaime Dean; and great-nephews, Holden and Hudson Dean. She will also be missed by her aunt and cousins.

In keeping with Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10th from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Patterson Funeral Home. A service in the chapel at Patterson’s will be held on Friday, September 11th at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

In Joan’s memory, donations to St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Special thanks are extended to all the staff at Salvation Army The Eventide Home, the attending EMS team, and all the medical staff in the Emergency and Critical Care at the Marotta Family Hospital for their care and compassion. Fly with the Angels, Joan — you will be missed.