Charlotte Joan Strang

Born in New Perlican, NL, she was the second child of the late Chelsey and Elizabeth (White) Martin. After moving to St. John’s to pursue a secretarial job at the Department of Agriculture, she met her future husband Barrie on a fateful trip on the Newfoundland Coastal ship The Northern Ranger. They were married in St. John’s in 1956 and settled there until moving to Cape Breton in 1967. Joan and Barrie raised their family in Sydney River where they enjoyed life on Avalon Drive amongst their many friends. During these years, Joan loved singing in the choir at St. Mark’s Church, as well as involvement with the IODE and card club with friends, both of which she continued to do until her passing. Joan and Barrie enjoyed countless family camping trips with the kids and their cousins, some of her best memories about which she loved to reminisce. In later years, they relocated to Dartmouth and following Barrie’s death in 2006, she continued to enjoy many years of travel with her children and grandchildren. A trip to Newfoundland last year was particularly special as she was able to celebrate her oldest sister’s birthday with her family, and have a memorable visit to her childhood home in New Pelican.

Joan is survived by her children Diane Collins, Christine (Randy Symonds), David (Shannon Reklow), grandchildren Michael, Daniel, Julianne, Tavis and Max, sisters Eva, Betty (Abbie Parsons), Anne, brother Wayne (Marilyn), sisters in law Karen and Margot (Ron Cairns), dear friends Margaret MacDonald and Sheila MacDonald and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Barrie, her brother David, brothers in law Fred Vivian, Gray Little, and John Strang, sister in law Jocelyn Strang and nephew Bruce Little.

Funeral to be held at 1pm on Friday, September 30 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Dartmouth. A reception will follow at the church with internment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.